Paint-Care Fact and Fiction

Do you think you can tell myth from reality when it comes to your vehicle’s care?  Check out these myths and facts from Motortrend and test your know how!

With so much misinformation out there surrounding car care, it's no wonder people get confused about what's truth and what's fiction. Paint care is definitely one area that can raise a lot of questions. To sort the myths from the reality, we talked to Mike Pennington, director of training for Meguiar's. Active with detailing professionals, show-car owners, and amateur enthusiasts, Pennington conducts regular paint-care classes and seminars and acts as technical consultant for many auto manufacturers and their dealerships-including BMW, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and DaimlerChrysler-as well as such automotive paint manufacturers as DuPont, PPG, and BASF. Here's his insight into the paint-care quagmire.

Myth: A wax made of 100-percent carnauba is superior to those using lesser amounts.

Reality: Carnauba wax has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for years, but don't believe that any wax is made of 100-percent carnauba. As the hardest natural wax known, carnauba is much too hard to apply directly to automotive paint. It comes in bricks that must be melted and added to a company's formulation. If a paint protectant advertises "pure carnauba," it means the part of the formula that is carnauba is pure, not that it's 100-percent carnauba. According to Pennington, today's synthetic polymer technology actually provides better protection than carnauba.

Myth: Avoid a silicone-based wax. If used, the vehicle can't be repainted.

Reality: It's true that silicones are a bane of the auto painter. For instance, if particles of silicone are on the sheetmetal when it's painted, they can keep the paint from adhering to the surface, causing defects known as fisheye. That's why some professional cleaners and polishes intended for shop use are formulated without silicone. However, once paint is on the car, silicone is no longer an issue. In fact, virtually every wax on the market uses some kind of silicone in its formula because it enhances the product's ease of application, gloss, and durability. If repainting is necessary, a body shop can easily take off the wax as part of its normal preparation.

Myth: You can assume that a finish that looks glossy is in good shape.

Reality: There are different degrees of glossiness, and a paint can dull so gradually you may not realize it's happening. For this reason, don't rely just on reflectivity to judge your paint's condition. Use your sense of touch, as well. Place your clean, dry hand flat against the paint and slowly rub it along the surface. Feel with both palm and fingertips. A well-maintained finish should feel smooth as glass. Any roughness could be due to oxidation, tree sap mist, or adhered grit, all of which degrade a paint's gloss to some degree.

Read all the myths and facts here:http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0004_paint_myths_and_reality/viewall.html#ixzz1Xq9mnl9H

The 2012 Verano Starting At $23,470

The 2012 Verano pricing starts at $23,470.

Standard equipment for the Verano includes 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a touch-screen audio system, 10 airbags, remote start, plus Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Convenience package adds a power, heated driver’s seat and rear parking sensors. The Leather package builds on that with keyless entry and push-button start, a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system, and leather upholstery. All models use a 2.4-liter inline-four engine rated for 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Verano is set to become the smallest current Buick model. Based on a Buick sedan that has been sold in China for some time, the Verano is intended to draw younger customers to the Buick brand. Even though it’s a smaller and cheaper Buick, the Verano won’t skimp on style or comfort. The taut exterior looks like a scaled-down Buick Regal, while the interior has attractive, soft-touch trims and extensive sound-deadening materials designed to make the Verano’s cabin as quiet as possible.

The 2012 Verano will reach Buick dealerships before the end of 2011.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-buick-verano-priced-from-23470-114841.html#ixzz1XkP3lFhR

Chevy Cruze Named To KBB.com’s “Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2011.”

The Chevy Cruze was named to Kelly Blue Book’s  KBB.com “Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2011.”

KBB.com editors called the Cruze an impressive car that is “nice enough inside that they might think you’re borrowing your more sophisticated older brother’s car. In addition to a well-appointed and quiet cabin, the Cruze can comfortably seat five and has a large trunk for books and gear. It also features OnStar telematics with emergency crash response—something mom and dad will love knowing you’ll have just in case.”

Something else the Chevy Cruze offers: The highest EPA rating of any mainstream gas-only vehicle sold in America. The Cruze Eco, when configured with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, can reach 42 mpg on the highway, notably exceeding the highway performances of a wide range of hybrids. And in addition, the Cruze Eco also delivers excellent city and combined fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg and 33 mpg, respectively. Drivers who prefer an automatic transmission aren’t left out in the cold, either. In fact, Chevy has boosted the fuel-efficiency marks of the Cruze Eco with its advanced six-speed automatic all the way up to 26 mpg city/39 mpg highway/31 mpg combined.

As the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com note, meeting the needs of parents and pupils alike requires a ride that is safe, affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient, but also good-looking, versatile and fun-to-drive—just like the Chevrolet Cruze.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-cruze-graduates-to-kbb-com-best-for-back-to-school-list/#more-1959

Chevrolet Volt Named To Edmunds.com 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicles List

The Chevrolet Volt was named to Edmunds.com 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicles List.

In addition to being one of the nation’s premier resources for online vehicle research, Edmunds.com also provides a key opportunity for owners themselves to review their vehicles, creating a unique—and important—measure of quality from consumers who know those vehicles best.

Comments from new Chevy Volt drivers included:

• “I have owned my Volt since mid-March, and have used exactly 20 gallons of gas over 3,100 miles. I also own a Prius and feel that the Volt, though a bit smaller, is a big leap forward over that fine car. The Volt is quicker, handles better, is quieter, has much lower operating cost/mile (I pay only $0.10 per kWh), and has been totally glitch-free. It’s an astonishing achievement.”
• “The Volt is my first American car, ever. I currently also have a VW and SAAB. The ride and handling to me are very much like a European vehicle. The fit and finish are impressive. This is an extremely well-thought-out vehicle.”
• “My Volt is incredible. My lifetime mpg is 112 and rising. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles without any gas. I didn’t buy any gas the first month I owed it. It has a sport mode that makes it fun and sporty to drive with speed to jerk your head back. It’s as powerful as a V6. I’m loving it.
• “The car, the concept, everything about it is game changing. My other car is a CTS-V and it has been parked ever since I got the Volt. Saving gas $$ is not my objective—using the cutting-edge technology and proving it in everyday use is the fun part.”
• “The Volt is absolutely the best car I’ve ever driven. It’s quick, nimble, stylish, and simply incomparable from a technology standpoint.”
• “Now in my second month and still have not used more than 2 gallons of gas. The car is surprisingly responsive, feels solid and has had no bugs, defects or annoyances that sometimes accompany new purchases. My average battery range is about 42 miles, but with the range-extending on-board generator, there is no anxiety whatsoever about ‘getting there.’ Moving from my prior Mercedes S 430, I find the Volt to be a remarkably well-engineered product.”

Perhaps even more remarkable: When the 2012 Volt goes on sale later this year, it will have a starting price that’s more than $1,000 below that of the 2011 base model. Showcasing an MSRP that begins at $39,995, and a net cost to consumers of just $32,495 (after a full $7,500 federal tax credit), the 2012 Chevy Volt is available for ordering now—at Chevrolet dealerships in all 50 states.

 

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/consumers-vote-volt-no-1-at-edmunds-com/#more-1953

For 2013 Chevy Malibu Aerodynamics Play Key Role

For the 2013 Chevy Malibu, aerodynamics played a key role.

As gas prices fluctuate, General Motors is determined to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers. But achieving more MPG isn’t as simple asutilizing smaller engines. For the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu, aerodynamics played a crucial role in its efficiency.

The latest Malibu has a drag coefficient comparable to a Corvette and nearly as efficient as the Volt electric car. Combining its sleek design with its fuel-saving eAssist technology, the Malibu ECO is able to achieve an estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway based on GM testing. Those are impressive figures for a full-size sedan.

“With the new Malibu, the design and aero teams collaborated to achieve maximum fuel efficiency for our customers without compromising the car’s visual appeal,” said John Cafaro, Chevrolet Malibu exterior design director. “The aero and aesthetic evolved simultaneously – working together, we sculpted the car in a way that makes it more slippery, applied innovative technologies like eAssist and active shutters, and we intentionally designed components such as the rear deck lid and outside rearview mirrors to help maximize fuel economy.”

When developing the new Malibu, engineers shaved 60 counts of fuel economy-robbing wind drag from the model it replaces, the equivalent of adding up to 2.5 mpg more highway driving range. Aero engineers and designers also conducted more than 400 hours of wind tunnel testing to ensure optimal fuel economy.

“Aerodynamics is driven by science.” said John Bednarchik, Chevrolet Malibu lead aerodynamic engineer. “While car designers favor wheel flares, sharp creases and other details that add style to a car, what catches the eye may disrupt the airflow, creating unwanted air turbulence and increasing drag. The new Malibu balances design needs with aerodynamic efficiency to truly benefit the customer.”

Vehicle aerodynamics remain a primary driver of overall fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. So, it’s good to know that so much attention has been placed on each and every curve of the all-new Chevy Malibu.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/2013-chevy-malibu-gets-high-marks-in-aerodynamic-testing/#more-1941

GM’s Humanoid Robot At The International Space Station

Last week, GM’s humanoid robot, Robonaut 2 (R2), was brought to life aboard the International Space Station.

R2 was jointly developed by scientists and engineers from General Motors and NASA. GM was eager to see how this robot would make GM’s plants around the world safer. R2’s hands feature extraordinary dexterity and sensitivity, making it suitable for performing a number of manufacturing-related tasks.

NASA’s use of R2 has helpful GM test it in the real-world. Both teams will share what they’ve learned from R2 to make it even more useful in the future. So far, R2 is performing well in space, and should be a helpful addition to the crew of the International Space Station.

“Everything came alive,” said Nic Radford, Robonaut deputy project manager. “We started getting video out of Robonaut’s eyes. Everything worked exactly as we expected it to. It was a very, very exciting time.”

To read more and see the video visit: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/gms-humanoid-robot-comes-to-life-in-outer-space/#more-1929

Buick Customers Can Now Share Car Buying Experience On Facebook

Buick customers can now share their car buying experience on Facebook.

Buick and GMC understand the importance of social networking and have set up online vehicle-shopping experiences that are socially engaging, letting site visitors build, save and share their configured vehicles.

This new type of connectivity enables customers to share with their Facebook friends who can post comments or “like” their customized selections. Both Buick and GMC are among the first automakers to provide customers the opportunity to deepen and personalize the shopping experience.

“We recognize that car buyers are not only looking for product information when shopping for their next car or truck but also use feedback from friends and family to help narrow down their selection,” said John Schwegman, U.S. vice president of GMC Marketing.

A study conducted by Bereford Research that found approximately half of respondents consider information shared on their social networks when making a purchase decision, and that proportion was much higher among users 18-24 with 65 percent doing so. “By offering a connection between our web sites and Facebook, we help our customers get the feedback they want and need to make vehicle purchase decisions,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing.

Read more: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/07/buick-and-gmc-sites-develop-new-facebook-connectivity.html

5 Millionth Chevrolet Camaro Sold!

The 5 millionth Chevrolet Camaro was sold to a customer in Kentucky.

The black-on-black 1LS coupe showcased a “dovetail” spoiler, a six-speed manual transmission and a potent 3.6-liter, 312-hp V6, and it was the 225,844th Camaro sold since the fifth generation launched in March 2009. Of course, Chevy is on track to keep the momentum going, thanks an expanding lineup that now includes the Camaro Convertible, which dropped its top in February of 2011, and the high-performance Camaro ZL1.

Designed to be the most technically advanced car in its class, the Camaro ZL1 will holster a supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 that makes some 550 hp and offer a six-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch, Magnetic Ride Control, a vented carbon-fiber hood insert, and an advanced, track-ready brake system designed collaboratively with the experts at Brembo.

Drivers can expect the ZL1 to debut early next year as the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet—which will no doubt help the brand get a quick head start toward selling its next 5 million Camaros.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/the-comeback-continues-chevy-sells-5-millionth-camaro/#more-1902

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Will Be Quieter Than A Mouse

The 2013 Chevy Malibu will be quieter than a mouse thanks to Chevrolet noise engineers. 

Thanks to unrelenting perfection when it came to sound, the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu should be one of the quietest sedans on the market when it arrives in showrooms in early 2012.

“To tune the sound properties to appeal to the widest possible audience, we need to make sure everyone hears the same thing,” said Kara Gordon, Malibu’s lead acoustic engineer.

Gordon and her team used pre-production Malibus with a mannequin-like recording device called an Aachen HEAD, a digital recording tool that closely matches the way humans process sound with both their ears. As the test Malibus were driven on a variety of road surfaces, sound engineers were able to listen to and evaluate the Malibu’s interior noise recordings and find the “sweet spot.”

“The typical acoustic memory of the human ear to discern subtle yet important differences is about 10 seconds – or about the time it takes to go from one vehicle to another. The Aachen HEAD, our Jury Room and high-tech headphones make it possible for us to give our Malibu customers the quietest, most pleasing interior sound quality possible,” said Gordon.

Thanks to Gordon and her team, the next-generation Malibu will be able to prevent tire, wind and road noise from creeping into the cabin. In addition to precision testing, engineers employed features like noise-reducing outside rear view mirrors, laminated side glass and noise-absorption pads throughout the cabin to help reduce noise.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/sound-experts-help-make-2013-chevy-malibu-cabin-ultra-quiet/#more-1890

The 2012 Chevy Cruze Will Get 39 MPG

The 2012 Chevy Cruze will get 39 MPG highway! Good news for anyone in the current economy.

 

Thanks to a revised axle ratio, the 2012 Cruze Eco with its standard 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine and available six-speed automatic transmission will be able to achieve up to 39 mpg highway, while the standard Cruze with the same powertrain will be able to reach 38 mpg highway.

Said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing: “Fuel economy is the top reason customers buy a compact and the Cruze’s greater efficiency for 2012 makes it all the more attractive.”

But that’s not all that’s new for the new model year. In addition to increasing the Cruze’s fuel economy, Chevy also is increasing its value by incorporating one of 2011’s most popular option packages into the car’s already long list of standard features. The new content includes:

• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• A USB port
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

And remember, this is on top of standard equipment like air conditioning, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with a three-month complimentary subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, power windows, a fuel-saving rack-mounted electric power steering system and a segment-best 10 air bags.

“Chevrolet is committed to responding to what customers want and making it easier for them,” said Scheidt. “Adding these previously optional features streamlines the ordering process and answers the call of what our customers told us should be standard.”

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale later this year.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-boosts-cruze-fuel-economy-for-2012/#more-1865

Solar-Powered Charging Stations Coming to 24 U.S. Chevrolet Dealerships

 

Solar-Powered Charging Stations Coming to 24 U.S. Chevrolet Dealerships

Chevrolet is taking sustainability to a whole new level with the installation of solar-powered charging stations at Chevrolet dealerships. These new chargers are to be installed at two dozen U.S. dealerships to generate electricity equivalent to 12 full vehicle charges per day. Excess energy will be used to supplement the dealerships’ daily power needs.

American Chevrolet in Modesto, California, and Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc, Michigan, are the first U.S. dealerships to complete their solar charging capability. Each solar canopy generates enough electricity for up to 4,500 charges per vehicle annually.

“The question isn’t whether to install a solar canopy, it’s where and how many,” said Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. “It’s a win for us because the electricity generated will help reduce operating costs, and it’s a win for the environment since solar power helps reduce our carbon footprint.”

The installation of solar chargers has been dubbed the Green Zone initiative. The initiative is part of GM Ventures’ recent announcement to invest $7.5 million in Sunlogics, a solar panel manufacturing and development company that will supply the panels and install the dealer charging stations.

“The beauty of this program is that there is no capital cost required from the dealership,” said Dave Halvorson, president of American Chevrolet in Modesto. “Not only do we generate the solar energy to increase our reliance on renewable electricity, but the Green Zone is a billboard of our commitment to the environment.”

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevrolet-harnesses-sun-to-power-dealerships/#more-1859

2012 Corvette ZR1 Breaks Record At Nürburgring

The 2012 Corvette ZR1 Breaks Record At Nürburgring. 

After an absence of four years, the Chevrolet Corvette once again returned to Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack for performance testing, and once again it came home with a record. Corvette engineer Jim Mero drove a stock 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 through the 12.9 miles and 154 turns of the ’Ring’s Nordschliefe course in a time of just 7:19.63—the fastest confirmed time ever recorded by a stock production vehicle.

But that was just a bonus for the Corvette team, which was at Nürburgring to validate some key performance upgrades on the ZR1 for 2012, including its available Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires. An important factor in helping the Corvette set its new Nürburgring benchmark, these competition-oriented tires are optimized for warm, dry conditions to provide enhanced cornering and handling capabilities. In fact, working in concert with the Corvette’s exclusive torque-management system, the net result for the 2012 model year is an 8 percent gain in maximum lateral acceleration—now increased to more than 1.1g—as well as decreased braking distances.

It’s no wonder the 2012 model year also will bring one more significant addition to the Corvette roster—a seventh trophy for winning its class at the grueling 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/2012-corvette-zr1-makes-record-setting-nurburgring-debut/

Chevy Malibu’s Seats Will Keep You Comfortable

 

Chevy Malibu’s Seats Will Keep You Comfortable. 

Chevrolet engineers spent considerable time learning how to keep hindquarters happy. That’s because they wanted to ensure that customers of all shapes and sizes enjoy maximum comfort when sitting in the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

Using high-tech tools and real-world ride evaluations, Malibu engineers created seats that provide the utmost level of seat comfort. They were designed to support people regardless of body type, thanks to innovative digital pressure-mapping technology to scan the rear-end impressions of people.

“This test allows us to understand how far a customer will compress into the seat to ensure the selected seat foam and other materials can support the pressure,” said engineer Daniel Cohen. “We want to find the sweet spot of seat comfort: a seat that is neither too firm nor too soft, but just right.”

Other tools were employed to test the effects of seat force and deflection through various sized buttock-shaped plates. These simulation tools are made of aluminum and can weigh up to 250 pounds. Additionally, volunteers logged hundreds of hours sitting on seat prototypes to ensure the Malibu would be comfortable on extended trips.

 

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-malibus-seats-promise-to-keep-bottoms-comfy/#more-1846

10 Most Annoying Things Other Drivers Do

What driving habits annoy you the most?  Tell us!  Or just check out this Top Ten list created by Car Talk radio personalities Click and Clack:

It's a known fact that everyone reading this is an above-average driver — and that each of us always displays deep and abiding civility toward our fellow travelers. So we're sure you won't recognize yourself in any of the items listed below.

But what about all those other jerks on the road?

What things do other drivers do that annoy you most? Here's our list, with an invitation to share your pet peeves below.

Yours in Pounding the Steering Wheel,

Tom and Ray Magliozzi, Car Talk
Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers

1. Talking on a cell phone

When you're talking on your cell phone, you're as likely to cause an accident as when you're legally drunk. Now, what's your excuse? What's more annoying than a driver who's willing to riskyour life so he can pick up his General Tso's chicken without waiting? Even when distracted drivers don't cause a wreck, they weave from lane to lane, create confusion in intersections and generally drive slower than other drivers around them while they're trying to do two things at once, leaving a gang of irate drivers in their wake.

Don't Be a Jerk: Put the phone down while you drive. You know about voice mail, right?

2. Driving too fast for road conditions

Just because a speed limit is 65 mph doesn't mean that's always the right speed. Snow, ice or rain can dramatically reduce your car's braking and handling abilities, as well as limit visibility. The right top speed for those conditions is that at which you feel safe and in control and able to react in time to anything that happens up ahead. That could be 40 mph. Or zero mph.

Drivers who fly past you at 50 mph when conditions call for 15 mph are not just risking their own lives — they might take you with them. If they lose control, they could easily spin into you, knocking you off the road and down an embankment. Or, at the very least, they could cover your windshield with a thick film of slush or rain, leaving you temporarily blinded. Annoying? We'd say so.

Check out the full top ten at Cars.com

Happy 4th of July!

 

I love to see the starry flag
That floats above my head.
I love to see its waving folds
With stripes of white and red.
“Be brave,” say the red stripes.
“Be pure,” say the white.
“Be true,” say the bright stars.
“And stand for the right.”

Author Unknown

2013 Chevy Malibu ECO, “Most Fuel-efficient Mid-size Sedan Chevy Has Ever Built.”

The 2013 Chevy Malibu ECO, “Most Fuel-efficient Mid-size Sedan Chevy Has Ever Built.”

 

The new ’Bu is expected to earn EPA ratings of 26 mpg city and an amazing 38 mpg highway. That’s a better highway fuel-economy performance than offered by some subcompacts—and some hybrids, too.

As just one example of their work, the Malibu ECO will showcase the first use of electronically controlled lower-grille shutters in the mid-size segment. The shutters stay open for improved engine cooling during low speeds or when the car is under a heavy load—such as when it’s traveling uphill—then close at highway speeds to help the Malibu ECO slice through the wind more efficiently.

But the real key here is eAssist, which uses regenerative braking to provide up to 15 kW of electricity to an air-cooled, lithium-ion battery. That electricity then allows a cutting-edge motor-generator to deliver up to 15 extra horsepower to the driver during heavy acceleration. Further enhancing fuel efficiency is an advanced stop/start setup that can shut off the fuel supply and rely on electricity to power the car’s systems during deceleration or when the vehicle is stopped.

““The Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy without the price premium of popular hybrid sedans,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It exemplifies Chevrolet’s drive to use technology that delivers high-value, gas-friendly performance.”

 

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/2013-chevy-malibu-eco-sets-new-fuel-efficiency-benchmark/#more-1643

Purchase A Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet And Get Two Years Of Standard Maintenance

Purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet and get two years of standard maintenance that includes oil changes. 

This new program, dubbed Owner Care, includes a two-year/30,000-mile standard vehicle maintenance program and will also cover tire rotations, and multi-point vehicle inspections at no charge to the customer.  The Certified Pre-Owned program will continue to offer a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a five-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.

“Customers demand more value for their money, and we have responded,” said Jennifer Costabile, general director of marketing and sales support, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.  “We believe our enhanced program offers our customers an outstanding experience from the moment they drive their Chevrolet, Buick or GMC Certified Pre-Owned vehicle off of the lot.”

GM is looking to give customers even more value when purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle. Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, believes this move will ultimately increase the demand for pre-owned GM vehicles.

“One of the most important things we can do is manage the business to help increase the value of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC used vehicles,” Johnson said. “This increased value gives potential new vehicle customers more for their trade-ins, thereby lowering their ownership costs.”

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/certified-pre-owned-gm-vehicles-receive-standard-maintenance/#more-1647

2011 Chevy Volt Named “World Green Car Of The Year”

The 2011 Chevy Volt was named “World Green Car of the Year” at the New York International Auto Show in May.

“The selection of the Volt as the World Green Car is a further proof point of the fuel-efficient technologies that are now being offered by the Chevrolet brand around the world,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “This award, and the others that have preceded it, validate the efforts of the development team to build a truly remarkable vehicle with the potential to transform transportation around the globe.”

And speaking of those other honors, they include being named:

• 2011 North American Car of the Year
• Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year
• Green Car Journal 2011 Green Car of the Year
• One of Car and Driver’s 10Best for 2011
• Automobile Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year

According to the EPA, the Volt achieves the equivalent of 95 mpg city/90 mpg highway/93 mpg combined when relying on its advanced electric propulsion system—capable of providing up to 50 miles of all-electric, no-emissions driving on a single charge—and it gets standout EPA ratings of 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/37 mpg combined when leveraging its high-efficiency I4 engine—which, if the Volt’s battery runs low, can provide hundreds of extra miles in driving range.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-volt-captures-world-green-car-of-the-year-honors/

Happy Memorial Day!

How are you planning to celebrate/ honor Memorial Day weekend?  Is the holiday a chance to barbeque and hang with friends, or is it a more solemn occasion as you remember a loved one?  Share with us!

But no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, we want you to stay safe.  Here are some tips for grill safety this weekend:

• Keep food covered or refrigerated until ready to be cooked.  Cook meat to 170 degrees Farenheit as a minimum. 
• Cooking (by any method) of meats (particularly red meat and chicken) at very high temperatures until surface charring occurs can cause cancer causing substances (Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)) to form.   To avoid this, use marinades and turn frequently.
• Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order.
• Don't use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies.
• When using a grill, you should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including your house.
• Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill.
• Only use approved ignition fluids – don't use gasoline to ignite a grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire.

These tips are from: http://bbq.about.com/od/grillinghelp/tp/grillsafety.htm

The 10 Most Noteworthy Chevrolet Car Designs Of All Time

Ed Welburn, GM’s global vice president of design, took a look back at the brand’s long history, and here are his picks for the 10 most noteworthy Chevrolet designs of all time:

Chevrolet Classic Six (1912)—Designed by Louis Chevrolet and the very first car to wear the Chevrolet name, the Classic Six was unveiled late in 1911 and went on sale early the following year as one of America’s most powerful and luxurious cars, with the biggest engine Chevy was to offer until 1958.

Chevrolet Deluxe Sport Coupe (1932)—This curvy compact was an early example of Chevrolet’s efforts to design cars that offered contemporary styling and affordable pricing. According to Welburn, “Customers felt they were getting a lot of car for their money, something that still holds true today.”

Chevrolet Suburban (1936)—To come up with the Suburban, Chevy designers mounted a station wagon body on the chassis of a small truck, and the result was what many consider to be the world’s first SUV.

Chevrolet Pick-Up (1948)—Setting the tone for its ongoing commitment to the truck industry, Chevrolet made this pick-up its first vehicle to be fully redesigned after World War II. Said Welburn: “The shape was just beautiful, but it still did its job well.”

Chevrolet Corvette (1953)—Harley Earl’s classic design boasted an early use of fiberglass construction and an unforgettable appearance. It was launched to compete with the sudden flood of European sports cars that started reaching the U.S. market in the post-war years.

Chevrolet Bel Air (1955)—Leveraging what Chevy called its “Motoramic” design language, the Bel Air was a flamboyant performer offered in coupe, convertible and station wagon body styles.

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1963)—With its hallmark split rear window and electrically operated pop-up headlamps, the Sting Ray was based on a show car designed by Bill Mitchell. “Every Corvette since then has been influenced by it, even the current models,” according to Welburn.

Chevrolet Pick-Up (1967)—Showing off a powerful, more purposeful design for the new model year, the ’67 Chevy pick-up was one of the first to be marketed as a daily driver and not just a work truck.

Chevrolet Pick-Up (1989)—As more and more customers began turning to pick-ups as “lifestyle” choices, Chevy began turning out the rugged 1989 models with features like stacked headlamps and a customer-satisfying “sports” package.

Chevrolet Camaro (2010)—Welburn himself owns a 1969 Camaro, but he put the re-born 2010 version on the list because “It connected with people worldwide. When we introduced the car as a concept, there were grown men and women with tears in their eyes.”

This article can be found at: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/chevy-celebrates-a-century-of-design-leadership/#more-1570

GM’s Seatbelt Technology Improves Safety

 

The new GM Seatbelt Technology is expected to garner the 5-star safety rating.  

The Dynamic Locking Latch Plate (DLLP) is designed to provide the same level of comfort and convenience as traditional restraint systems, but it does much more during an accident. The DLLP is capable of holding the lower torso in place and reducing load on the occupant’s chest. This system also keeps the legs from impacting the dashboard.

“It helps us control the lower torso in a crash, it keeps the femurs from contacting the instrument panel and it also gives us better tuning and control capability for the upper torso,” said Larry Kwiecinski, engineering group manager-Vehicle Safety Integration at GM. “We can then tune the retractor pretensioners to better interact with the airbags during the crash event.”

The National High Traffic Safety Administration introduced stricter testing guidelines beginning with 2011 model year vehicles. This motivated GM to improve upon its existing safety technologies, particularly since vehicle safety remains one of the most important concerns among car buyers.

Read more: http://www.chevroletinthenews.com/gms-seatbelt-technology-improves-safety/#more-1515

Chevrolet Donates Trucks To Alabama United Ways

 

Chevrolet has donated 12 Silverado pickup trucks to United Ways in Alabama to help recovery efforts in the tornado-ravaged region. The trucks, along with a GMC Savana van, will be used in in local relief efforts throughout western and central Alabama.

In addition to trucks, the General Motors Foundation announced that it would also provide a $100,000 grant to the American Red Cross to help disaster relief efforts in the southeastern states. The announcement comes after GM volunteers from that region helped acquire and distribute relief supplies such as tarps, flashlights and batteries.

“GM and its employees have a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to our country and the communities where we live and work,” said Bob Ferguson, GM Foundation chairman and GM vice president, global public policy. “At a time of great need, GM will always be there with its people and products to answer the call for help.”

GM’s OnStar division has also provided free hands-free calling minutes and directions for those in affected areas. OnStar’s Directions and Connections service is being provided for six months along with 1,000 hands-free calling minutes for each of the donated trucks.

Chevrolet's Honor Badge

To Show Appreciation for your dedication, Chevrolet is offering a special Honor Badge when you purchase/lease an eligible Chevrolet vehicle during the month of May using your GM Military Discount.

This Honor Badge is at no cost to you and recognizes your service to our country.  Chevrolet will also make a $100 donation to Cell Phones For Soldiers, a program that helps our troops stay in touch with loved ones by enabling them to call home for free.

To receive your Honor Badge:

1. Register at gmmilitarydiscount.com and request your Go Code. Then Follow the prompts at Step 3 to complete your request.
2. Print and bring your Go Code with your Military I.D. to your participating Chevrolet dealer during May. After you take delivery of your new Chevrolet vehicle, your Honor Badge will be sent directly to you. 

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