Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Special Motorsports Event - Memphis Super Chevy Show Big Winner
Memphis, April 18, 2012: Memphis International Raceway is back in action after a successful Super Chevy Show, presented by GM Performance, returned to the track. Over ten thousand race fans came out to Memphis International Raceway to celebrate the heritage and craft of the American automobile and experience the racing action of the show.
For Chevrolet enthusiasts from racers to car show participants –Chevy is a way of life. Excitement and enthusiasm reverberated throughout the fans who had long-awaited the return of the Super Chevy Show at their home track. The overwhelming reaction from the crowd was, “Memphis is back!”
Five hundred classic, custom and new model Chevys from as far away as Michigan were showcased in Memphis International Raceway’s pit area for the car and truck show on Saturday and Sunday. While there were almost six hundreds participants in the show’s swap meet and car corral.
Thousands of fans packed the grandstands on the quarter-mile drag strip to experience the rumble, roar and power of head-to-head drag racing. More than four hundred Chevy racers from as far away as Louisiana and local fan favorites took to the lanes to compete throughout the weekend. The Pro Show fueled the energy of the event featuring Jet Funny Cars, Pro Modifieds and Pro Wheel standers thundering down the drag strip.
Vice President and General Manager Pam Kendrick said, “Chevy fans in the South have waited 3 years for the return of the series to MIR. The response of the fans, car show participants and racers was far greater than anticipated. It will go down as one of the biggest Super Chevy events in history here in Memphis and sets the stage for a blockbuster 2012 schedule here at the track!”
See the video and story at: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/04/18/032924-special-motorsports-event-memphis-super-chevy-show-big-winner.html
Location:
Old Saybrook, CT, USA
Friday, April 13, 2012
Chevrolet Collector Goes for Guinness World Record
DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – Charlie Mallon has been acquiring Chevrolet items for 40 years -- Chevrolet signs, racing flags, coffee table books, soda cans, hats, belts, shirts, playing cards, drinking glasses, posters, tractor trailers, a biplane and miniature cars – lots of miniature cars.
The 54-year-old auto dealership consultant hopes to soon add a Guinness World Records title to his collection.
Mallon laid out 2,181 different Chevrolet items Wednesday night at the Downingtown West High School in an attempt at what would be a newly created Guinness World Records category for “Largest Collection of Chevrolet Memorabilia.” Most of Mallon’s collection centers on the Chevrolet Corvette, a car he’s admired since he was a child.
“I appreciate all cars, but there’s something special about the Corvette,” Mallon said. “It’s the look. It’s the sound. It’s the mystique. Everything about the Corvette makes it the American sports car.”
Mallon has thousands of miniature Corvette cars that he put on display at the local high school gymnasium. He also owns a 2005 Corvette coupe and previously owned a 1965 Corvette Coupe. “Corvettes have always turned my head,” Mallon said.
He decided to go for a Guinness World Records title after realizing just how many items he had collected over the years. Whenever he went on a vacation or business trip, he would always make time to find another piece of Chevrolet memorabilia.
In order to qualify for a record, Mallon had several witnesses, including a certified public accountant, verify the number of items in his collection and will submit a formal application to the Guinness World Records organization for review.
He wanted to set a world record partly out of curiosity about whether he did have the largest collection and partly to “validate my insanity to my wife,” he said. He might not know for weeks whether he has the record, and he admits someone else could try to break it. Either way, he wanted to make an attempt at setting the first Guinness World Records title in this category.
“I guess it’s just a personal challenge,” Mallon said. “It always blows people away when they walk into my basement and see all the items. I’ve been collecting so long that I wondered if I had the most.”
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality.
Story from http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Apr/0412_record
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Chevy News Update: The 2013 Chevrolet Colorado Comes to the U.S.
Chevy confirmed this morning that the truck will indeed come to the U.S.
Chevrolet has unveiled its all-new 2013 Colorado, and when the company calls it a global product, it's not just referring to where the truck will be sold. Its development spanned five continents, but the bulk of the work was done in Thailand-where the truck was introduced-by Brazilian engineers, and GM's South American Design Center penned the shape. GM first showed a concept of the truck in Thailand (If you are wondering, "why Thailand?" it's because compact trucks are very popular there), following that a few months later with another concept in Argentina, but the big question is whether or not "global" includes the U.S., GM isn't saying, but the Colorado seems well-equipped to do battle here in the States.
Smooth OperatorThe new Colorado looks like a strong replacement for our truck based on appearance alone. Its shape is modern and tough, with smooth, Malibu-like headlights; a large dual-slot Chevrolet grille; and muscular, swollen fenders. Chevy will offer 26 different trim, body, powertrain, and ride-height combinations, a level of choice similar to what you find in the full-size-truck market here.
The body-on-frame Colorado is available with regular, extended, and crew cabs; two body widths; two- or four-wheel drive; and-independent of the number of driven wheels-a high or low ride height. Buyers can choose from three trim levels that follow the same progression as U.S.-market Chevys: LS, LT, and LTZ. Stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and front airbags are among the Colorado's standard safety features. The interior boasts chrome accents and a classy dual-cowl dash with square Camaro-like gauge pods and ice-blue LED backlighting. Vinyl, cloth, and leather seats are available, and all Thai Colorados have standard auxiliary audio and USB inputs.
Diesels: Two for Thailand, None for You
In addition to the numerous build combinations available, the Colorado offers two new diesel four-cylinders. Just like the truck they will power, the engines are labeled as "all-new" by GM and are a part of a new global line of diesel four-cylinders. The base is a 2.5-liter unit that makes 150 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; the second is a 2.8-liter that makes 180 hp and a meaty 346 lb-ft of torque when bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, 324 lb-ft when mated to a five-speed manual. If the Colorado does make it here, it likely will feature a gas-only engine lineup. Chevy recently announced that a diesel-powered Cruze is on its way here for 2013, though, so don't rule out the possibility of an oil-burning small pickup for the U.S. somewhere down the road.
"Don't rule it out" seems to be the line regarding the new Colorado's chances in the U.S. Chevrolet developed the truck for more than 60 markets spanning the globe; it's hard to believe the U.S. would be left out of that count. Depending on how you look at it, the death of the Ford Ranger is either an indication of where the small-truck market is going or an opportunity for GM to seize the segment.
The UAW recently disclosed some of its tentative contract agreements with GM, revealing that the Shreveport, Louisiana, plant that currently produces the American-market Colorado and GMC Canyon is set to shut down by June 2012. However, the company also said it will invest $380 million in its Wentzville, Missouri, plant and add a mid-size pickup program there, so the Colorado will continue to be sold here-Chevy just won't say whether it will be this one, some other new one, or the same old truck. We think it'll be this one.Click here to see more pictures of the upcoming Chevrolet Colorado
News from http://www.caranddriver.com/photos-11q4/424338/2013-chevrolet-colorado-photo-424344
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Saturday, March 17, 2012
New Chevrolet Racecar to Debut for 2013 Season
The countdown to the debut of Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racecar is underway. Chevrolet announced today that for the 2013 season, Team Chevy will be racing a vehicle based on a new nameplate to the brand’s lineup.
Taking advantage of the new NASCAR rules, which allow manufacturers to display more of their brand identity in their racecars, the new Chevrolet racecar will closely resemble the production version. Both cars will be unveiled in the coming year.
“We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles,” said Jim Campbell, vice president, Chevrolet Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new racecar and we hope that the prospect of being able to own one just like it will make the wait a little more bearable.”
The current Chevrolet racecar, the Impala, took three out of top five spots at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday including the win by Tony Stewart. Since 2007, the Impala has dominated the series, taking the checkered flag 79 times. Chevrolet drivers have also won five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers' Championships, and Jimmie Johnson (4) and Tony Stewart (1) have collected five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's championships in the Impala.
“The Impala has been a critical part of Chevrolet’s success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are confident the new racecar will allow us to remain the most successful name in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history,” Campbell said.
A legacy of racing competition runs deep in Chevrolet’s 100-year history, dating to co-founder Louis Chevrolet’s passion for racing automobiles. Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship 35 times. Chevrolet Corvette Racing has taken seven class trophies at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Chevrolet-branded V-8 racing engine won the Indianapolis 500 seven times between 1988 and 2002.
As Chevrolet continues to define itself as a 21st Century global automotive leader, motorsports remain integral to the plan. The racing version of the Chevrolet Cruze, which since its 2009 debut has become the bowtie brand’s best-selling car globally, claimed the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) Cup in 2010 and 2011, and is the first ever General Motors-branded vehicle to win such honors in a FIA-organized series.
GM USA
Taking advantage of the new NASCAR rules, which allow manufacturers to display more of their brand identity in their racecars, the new Chevrolet racecar will closely resemble the production version. Both cars will be unveiled in the coming year.
“We are keeping the wraps on the new car for now and will continue to prepare for next season by testing camouflaged vehicles,” said Jim Campbell, vice president, Chevrolet Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “We know that Chevrolet fans are eager to see the new racecar and we hope that the prospect of being able to own one just like it will make the wait a little more bearable.”
The current Chevrolet racecar, the Impala, took three out of top five spots at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday including the win by Tony Stewart. Since 2007, the Impala has dominated the series, taking the checkered flag 79 times. Chevrolet drivers have also won five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers' Championships, and Jimmie Johnson (4) and Tony Stewart (1) have collected five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver's championships in the Impala.
“The Impala has been a critical part of Chevrolet’s success in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and we are confident the new racecar will allow us to remain the most successful name in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history,” Campbell said.
A legacy of racing competition runs deep in Chevrolet’s 100-year history, dating to co-founder Louis Chevrolet’s passion for racing automobiles. Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturers’ Championship 35 times. Chevrolet Corvette Racing has taken seven class trophies at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Chevrolet-branded V-8 racing engine won the Indianapolis 500 seven times between 1988 and 2002.
As Chevrolet continues to define itself as a 21st Century global automotive leader, motorsports remain integral to the plan. The racing version of the Chevrolet Cruze, which since its 2009 debut has become the bowtie brand’s best-selling car globally, claimed the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) Cup in 2010 and 2011, and is the first ever General Motors-branded vehicle to win such honors in a FIA-organized series.
GM USA
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Saturday, March 10, 2012
Chevrolet COPO Camaro Goes From Concept to Production
Chevrolet will build 69 COPO Camaros for 2012, the brand’s first purpose-built Camaro drag-racing specialty car designed to compete with the quickest in NHRA’s Stock Eliminator and Super Stock classes. National records for quarter-mile times in these contests are in the nine-second range.
As such, the COPO Camaros are expected to be the quickest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet.
“The COPO Camaro is going to shake up the sportsman drag racing ranks this summer and give Chevy fans a great new reason to cheer on the Bowtie,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “COPO builds off the strengths that have made the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America. And while it was developed strictly for the drag strip, the COPO Camaro is infused with the same performance pedigree that every Camaro shares.”
The 69-car production for the 2012 COPO Camaro matches the number of “ZL-1” COPO Camaros made in 1969. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order and was Chevrolet’s special-order system in used by dealers to build high-performance models in the 1960s.
The new COPO Camaros will be built using factory “body-in-white” body structures produced at the Oshawa, Ontario plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. They are the same body-in-white body shells available to all racers under Chevrolet Performance part number 19243374.
Customers will order and complete the transaction for their COPO Camaro at their preferred Chevrolet dealer with delivery at the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.
Deliveries will begin early this summer.
Highlights of the new COPO Camaro program include:
The COPO Camaro concept was first shown at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, where the overwhelming response by more than 2,000 racing enthusiasts shaped the decision to produce a limited number of COPO Camaros.
To ensure fair access to the limited number of COPO Camaros, an independent third party was used to identify the first individuals who would be offered the opportunity to buy one of the new COPO Camaros. Those selected will receive a confirmation letter with instructions on how to fulfill the purchase contract, choose the engine option for their intended racing class, and take delivery.
Designed to win
The COPO Camaro is designed to NHRA racing specifications including a solid axle and a full chrome moly roll cage. Inside, most of the standard sound deadening and power accessories have been deleted in order to optimize weight for NHRA racing. Also included is a pair of racing bucket seats (no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges.
The three engines offered in the COPO Camaro program were developed to align with the top classes in NHRA’s various Stock Eliminator and Super Stock ranks. They are:
Racing enthusiasts interested in more information can go to www.gmperformanceparts.com to sign up for COPO Camaro updates through the Fuel online newsletter. Production updates will also be posted on Chevrolet Performance’s Facebook page.
GM USA
As such, the COPO Camaros are expected to be the quickest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet.
“The COPO Camaro is going to shake up the sportsman drag racing ranks this summer and give Chevy fans a great new reason to cheer on the Bowtie,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles & Motorsports. “COPO builds off the strengths that have made the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America. And while it was developed strictly for the drag strip, the COPO Camaro is infused with the same performance pedigree that every Camaro shares.”
The 69-car production for the 2012 COPO Camaro matches the number of “ZL-1” COPO Camaros made in 1969. COPO stands for Central Office Production Order and was Chevrolet’s special-order system in used by dealers to build high-performance models in the 1960s.
The new COPO Camaros will be built using factory “body-in-white” body structures produced at the Oshawa, Ontario plant that manufactures regular-production Camaros. They are the same body-in-white body shells available to all racers under Chevrolet Performance part number 19243374.
Customers will order and complete the transaction for their COPO Camaro at their preferred Chevrolet dealer with delivery at the General Motors Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.
Deliveries will begin early this summer.
Highlights of the new COPO Camaro program include:
- A sequenced build number matched to the engine but sold without a Vehicle Identification Number and cannot be registered for highway use
- Three racing-class engine are available, including a naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) and two supercharged 327 (5.3L) V-8 engines
- Engine assembly at GM’s Performance Build Center, where the buyer can opt to participate in the engine assembly similar to Chevrolet’s Corvette Engine Build Experience and the Chevrolet Performance Build Your Own Crate Engine programs
- Engines pairing with a Powerglide automatic transmission designed for drag racing
- Five colors: Flat Black, Summit White, Victory Red, Silver Ice Metallic and Ashen Gray Metallic
- A COPO graphics package similar to the one introduced on the concept vehicle available in Metallic White, Semi-Gloss Black, Inferno Orange Metallic and Chevy Racing Blue
- Pricing starting at $89,000
- A special collector’s package offering the purchase of all three engines with the COPO Camaro – including one installed in the car at delivery – with each engine serial number matched to the car
The COPO Camaro concept was first shown at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, where the overwhelming response by more than 2,000 racing enthusiasts shaped the decision to produce a limited number of COPO Camaros.
To ensure fair access to the limited number of COPO Camaros, an independent third party was used to identify the first individuals who would be offered the opportunity to buy one of the new COPO Camaros. Those selected will receive a confirmation letter with instructions on how to fulfill the purchase contract, choose the engine option for their intended racing class, and take delivery.
Designed to win
The COPO Camaro is designed to NHRA racing specifications including a solid axle and a full chrome moly roll cage. Inside, most of the standard sound deadening and power accessories have been deleted in order to optimize weight for NHRA racing. Also included is a pair of racing bucket seats (no rear seat), a safety harness for the driver, a competition floor shifter and Chevrolet Performance gauges.
The three engines offered in the COPO Camaro program were developed to align with the top classes in NHRA’s various Stock Eliminator and Super Stock ranks. They are:
- An LS7-based naturally aspirated 427 (7.0L) V-8
- A supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 2.9L supercharger
- A supercharged, LSX-based 327 (5.3L) V-8 featuring a 4.0L supercharger
Racing enthusiasts interested in more information can go to www.gmperformanceparts.com to sign up for COPO Camaro updates through the Fuel online newsletter. Production updates will also be posted on Chevrolet Performance’s Facebook page.
GM USA
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Monday, March 5, 2012
2013 GMC and Chevrolet Bi-Fuel Pickups Unveiled
Chevrolet and GMC today announced details of General Motors’ bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickup trucks. Fleet and retail consumers can place orders beginning this April.
The vehicles include a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between CNG and gasoline fuel systems. Combined, the trucks offer a range of more than 650 miles. The Silverado and Sierra will be available in standard and long box, with either two- or four-wheel drive.
“The bi-fuel Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra provide customers with choices in advanced propulsion technology, and because CNG is a clean-burning, domestically produced fuel, it has wide appeal, “said Ed Peper, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “The addition of a full-size bi-fuel pickup truck to GM’s fleet portfolio is another milestone in putting the customer first in everything we do – by offering great products, innovative solutions and a great customer experience.”
GM is the only manufacturer to offer a single-source option for its gaseous fuel vehicles. The bi-fuel trucks are built with a specially designed engine, the fuel system is installed by GM’s Tier One supplier and the completed vehicle is delivered directly to the customer. This process makes ordering the bi-fuel option as seamless and efficient as a standard vehicle.
“The bi-fuel truck provides businesses with added re-fueling flexibility and eases consumer range concerns that typically come with CNG, all while reducing emissions and controlling costs,” said Joyce Mattman, director, GM Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles. “This turnkey ordering process, combined with the best warranty in the industry for a commercial product, makes our bi-fuel truck an attractive option, especially for commercial customers.”
The bi-fuel commercial trucks will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements. It is the most extensive warranty offered by any manufacturer on commercial products.
The trucks are built in Fort Wayne, Ind., and then sent to the Tier One supplier for installation of the CNG bi-fuel delivery and storage system. The entire gaseous fuel system meets GM’s strict quality, durability, safety testing and is covered under the extensive warranty.
To find more information about advanced propulsion vehicles available, visit gmfleet.com, or for timely responses to fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.
GM USA
The vehicles include a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between CNG and gasoline fuel systems. Combined, the trucks offer a range of more than 650 miles. The Silverado and Sierra will be available in standard and long box, with either two- or four-wheel drive.
“The bi-fuel Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra provide customers with choices in advanced propulsion technology, and because CNG is a clean-burning, domestically produced fuel, it has wide appeal, “said Ed Peper, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “The addition of a full-size bi-fuel pickup truck to GM’s fleet portfolio is another milestone in putting the customer first in everything we do – by offering great products, innovative solutions and a great customer experience.”
GM is the only manufacturer to offer a single-source option for its gaseous fuel vehicles. The bi-fuel trucks are built with a specially designed engine, the fuel system is installed by GM’s Tier One supplier and the completed vehicle is delivered directly to the customer. This process makes ordering the bi-fuel option as seamless and efficient as a standard vehicle.
“The bi-fuel truck provides businesses with added re-fueling flexibility and eases consumer range concerns that typically come with CNG, all while reducing emissions and controlling costs,” said Joyce Mattman, director, GM Commercial Product and Specialty Vehicles. “This turnkey ordering process, combined with the best warranty in the industry for a commercial product, makes our bi-fuel truck an attractive option, especially for commercial customers.”
The bi-fuel commercial trucks will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and vehicle emissions warranty, meeting all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements. It is the most extensive warranty offered by any manufacturer on commercial products.
The trucks are built in Fort Wayne, Ind., and then sent to the Tier One supplier for installation of the CNG bi-fuel delivery and storage system. The entire gaseous fuel system meets GM’s strict quality, durability, safety testing and is covered under the extensive warranty.
To find more information about advanced propulsion vehicles available, visit gmfleet.com, or for timely responses to fleet-related questions, join the GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group.
GM USA
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Chevrolet Ranks as Top Performance Brand in U.S.
Chevrolet is America’s favorite performance brand, with Camaro and Corvette accounting for one out of every three sports cars sold in the United States in 2011.
Chevrolet accounted for 37 percent of the sports-car segment last year, selling 88,249 Camaros, which surpassed its nearest competitor, the Ford Mustang, by more than 18,000 units. That lead is expected to increase when the new Camaro ZL1 goes on sale this month.
Chevrolet accounted for 28 percent of the luxury-sports-car segment in 2011, selling 13,164 Corvettes. Currently the only domestic car in the segment, Corvette more than doubled the sales of its nearest competitor, the Porsche 911.
“With the addition of the Camaro ZL1, there are only a handful of brands in the world with two cars that can match the performance, technology, and excitement of Corvette and Camaro,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “Unlike many competitors’ performance cars, the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1 are appropriate for both daily drivers and track use from the factory – with standard coolers for brakes and drivetrain.”
“And we challenge any company to bring two cars to compete with the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1, dollar for dollar,” Reuss said. “They will discover what enthusiasts already know – that Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are the world’s best performance cars for the money.”
To demonstrate the capabilities of the Corvette and Camaro, Chevrolet recently tested full-production models with no performance modifications on the “Grand Course” at Virginia International Raceway. The Grand Course configuration is a challenge for production cars because it requires prodigious power, precise handling and tenacious grip to record a fast lap.
In a 2012 Corvette ZR1, equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, Corvette engineer Jim Mero lapped the Grand Course in 2:45.6 – faster than the published lap time for any production car.
In a 2012 Camaro ZL1, Camaro engineer Aaron Link lapped the Grand Course in 2:52.4 – more than six seconds faster than the published lap time of a 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 on the same track.
Car and Driver Magazine, which conducts the annual Lightning Lap shootout at Virginia International Raceway, called the track “the nearest thing to the Nurburgring’s fabled Nordschleife.”
“The Grand Course at VIR is an excellent test of all-around vehicle performance,” said
Reuss. “Like the Nurburgring, a single lap at VIR tests every aspect of a car, including power, brakes, steering, tire grip and chassis balance. To break a three-minute lap on the four-mile Grand Course is an incredible accomplishment for any car.”
The Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful vehicle Chevrolet has ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LS9 V-8 delivering 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. Of all mass-production companies, Chevrolet is the leader in carbon fiber use, with the lightweight material used for structural components on the ZR1 including the front fenders, hood, roof, front splitter, rocker panels and floor pans. With a curb weight of 3,353 pounds, the ZR1 features a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.2 pounds per horsepower. As a result, the ZR1 is also the fastest Chevrolet ever produced, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. The Corvette ZR1 starts at $112,575, including destination.
The Camaro ZL1 is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LSA V-8 delivering 580-horsepower, and 556 pound-feet of torque. It is also the most-sophisticated Camaro ever, with exclusive performance technologies including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension. Other standard performance features include six-piston Brembo brakes, and coolers for the rear differential, brakes, and transmission. As a result, the ZL1 is also the most-capable Camaro ever, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 184 mph, and lapping the famed Nurburgring in just 7:41.27. The Camaro ZL1 starts at $54,995, including destination.
Both Corvette and Camaro have also recently been recognized by IntelliChoice as the best overall value in their segments – further evidence that consumers get more performance for their money from Chevrolet.
Chevrolet accounted for 37 percent of the sports-car segment last year, selling 88,249 Camaros, which surpassed its nearest competitor, the Ford Mustang, by more than 18,000 units. That lead is expected to increase when the new Camaro ZL1 goes on sale this month.
Chevrolet accounted for 28 percent of the luxury-sports-car segment in 2011, selling 13,164 Corvettes. Currently the only domestic car in the segment, Corvette more than doubled the sales of its nearest competitor, the Porsche 911.
Top 5 Sports Cars by 2011 Total Sales and Market Share | Top 5 Luxury Sports Cars by 2011 Total Sales and Market Share | |||||||
1. | Chevrolet Camaro | 88,249 | 37% | 1. | Chevrolet Corvette | 13,164 | 28% | |
2. | Ford Mustang | 70,438 | 29% | 2. | Porsche 911 | 6,016 | 13% | |
3. | Dodge Challenger | 39,534 | 16% | 3. | BMW 6-Series | 3,903 | 8% | |
4. | Honda CR-Z | 11,330 | 5% | 4. | BMW Z4 | 3,479 | 7% | |
5. | Hyundai Veloster | 9,284 | 4% | 5. | Mercedes SLK | 3,220 | 7% |
“And we challenge any company to bring two cars to compete with the Corvette ZR1 and Camaro ZL1, dollar for dollar,” Reuss said. “They will discover what enthusiasts already know – that Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette are the world’s best performance cars for the money.”
To demonstrate the capabilities of the Corvette and Camaro, Chevrolet recently tested full-production models with no performance modifications on the “Grand Course” at Virginia International Raceway. The Grand Course configuration is a challenge for production cars because it requires prodigious power, precise handling and tenacious grip to record a fast lap.
In a 2012 Corvette ZR1, equipped with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, Corvette engineer Jim Mero lapped the Grand Course in 2:45.6 – faster than the published lap time for any production car.
In a 2012 Camaro ZL1, Camaro engineer Aaron Link lapped the Grand Course in 2:52.4 – more than six seconds faster than the published lap time of a 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 on the same track.
Car and Driver Magazine, which conducts the annual Lightning Lap shootout at Virginia International Raceway, called the track “the nearest thing to the Nurburgring’s fabled Nordschleife.”
“The Grand Course at VIR is an excellent test of all-around vehicle performance,” said
Reuss. “Like the Nurburgring, a single lap at VIR tests every aspect of a car, including power, brakes, steering, tire grip and chassis balance. To break a three-minute lap on the four-mile Grand Course is an incredible accomplishment for any car.”
The Corvette ZR1 is the most powerful vehicle Chevrolet has ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LS9 V-8 delivering 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. Of all mass-production companies, Chevrolet is the leader in carbon fiber use, with the lightweight material used for structural components on the ZR1 including the front fenders, hood, roof, front splitter, rocker panels and floor pans. With a curb weight of 3,353 pounds, the ZR1 features a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.2 pounds per horsepower. As a result, the ZR1 is also the fastest Chevrolet ever produced, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. The Corvette ZR1 starts at $112,575, including destination.
The Camaro ZL1 is the most-powerful Camaro ever produced, with a supercharged, 6.2L, LSA V-8 delivering 580-horsepower, and 556 pound-feet of torque. It is also the most-sophisticated Camaro ever, with exclusive performance technologies including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Ride suspension. Other standard performance features include six-piston Brembo brakes, and coolers for the rear differential, brakes, and transmission. As a result, the ZL1 is also the most-capable Camaro ever, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 184 mph, and lapping the famed Nurburgring in just 7:41.27. The Camaro ZL1 starts at $54,995, including destination.
Both Corvette and Camaro have also recently been recognized by IntelliChoice as the best overall value in their segments – further evidence that consumers get more performance for their money from Chevrolet.
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Saturday, February 25, 2012
2012 Chevrolet Volt Cleared for California’s Carpool Lanes
A low emission model of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car are on their way to California, where customers will qualify for a $1,500 state rebate and be allowed to drive solo in the state’s carpool lanes.
Volts with the Low Emissions Package, which is standard for California, began shipping from the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week and should begin arriving at the more than 140 participating Chevrolet dealerships in California before the end of the month.
"The Volts with the Low Emissions Package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state’s notoriously congested freeways in the carpool lane,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.
Commuters who use carpool lanes in Southern California save an estimated average 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is making 40,000 Clean Air Stickers available for registered vehicles that meet the state’s emissions standards. Applications can be downloaded from the DMV’s web site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
Additionally, the new Low Emissions Package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners and lessees to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 Clean vehicle rebate applications can be submitted online at http://www.energycenter.org/
California has more than 1,400 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. Originally restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants to help minimize congestion, the lanes are now open to single occupancy use by owners of advanced, low-emission vehicles. Volts registered in Georgia, New York and Florida also are eligible for single occupancy access to carpool lanes.
The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 10 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.com/.
Volts with the Low Emissions Package, which is standard for California, began shipping from the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week and should begin arriving at the more than 140 participating Chevrolet dealerships in California before the end of the month.
"The Volts with the Low Emissions Package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state’s notoriously congested freeways in the carpool lane,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.
Commuters who use carpool lanes in Southern California save an estimated average 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is making 40,000 Clean Air Stickers available for registered vehicles that meet the state’s emissions standards. Applications can be downloaded from the DMV’s web site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
Additionally, the new Low Emissions Package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners and lessees to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 Clean vehicle rebate applications can be submitted online at http://www.energycenter.org/
California has more than 1,400 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. Originally restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants to help minimize congestion, the lanes are now open to single occupancy use by owners of advanced, low-emission vehicles. Volts registered in Georgia, New York and Florida also are eligible for single occupancy access to carpool lanes.
The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 10 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at http://www.chevrolet.com/.
Friday, February 24, 2012
2013 Chevy Malibu
When you design a midsize sedan to meet the driving needs of people across the planet, you benchmark some of the best cars out there. You listen carefully when people tell you they want more style, more safety and more performance. And you know that, now more than ever, there’s a critical need for greater fuel efficiency.
Introducing the all-new 2013 Malibu and Malibu Eco. Coming in 2012.
Its refinement and responsive driving characteristics bring a quiet confidence to the next generation of Chevrolet Malibu. And joining the Malibu family for the first time ever, the 2013 Malibu Eco will offer up to 38 MPG highway1 — that’s better than Toyota Camry Hybrid2. It's pretty much a beauty of a car.
Introducing the all-new 2013 Malibu and Malibu Eco. Coming in 2012.
Its refinement and responsive driving characteristics bring a quiet confidence to the next generation of Chevrolet Malibu. And joining the Malibu family for the first time ever, the 2013 Malibu Eco will offer up to 38 MPG highway1 — that’s better than Toyota Camry Hybrid2. It's pretty much a beauty of a car.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon to Debut in Geneva
The Chevrolet Cruze station wagon, the third variant of Chevrolet’s most-popular car, will make its global premiere at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show early next month.
The station wagon complements the Cruze sedan and hatchback, which together have combined sales of more than 1 million vehicles globally since launch in 2009.
"The Cruze station wagon caters to an important market segment. It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy," said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty.
The new station wagon, which is not planned for sale in North America, features generous storage space and a choice of powerful and efficient engines as well as the state-of-the-art Chevrolet MyLink onboard infotainment system.
The new and improved engines will be available on the entire Cruze line-up starting summer 2012. In addition to the current 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, a new 1.4L turbo gasoline, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine complete the powertrain offer.
The 1.4L gasoline, 1.7L diesel and 2.0L diesel engines come with start-stop technology as standard. All engines are Euro 5-compliant.
The station wagon, at 4,675 mm (184.1 inches), is slightly longer than the hatchback (4,510 mm/ 177.6 inches) and sedan (4,597 mm /181 inches) models. Load space ranges from 500 liters (17.6 cubic feet) up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 liters (52.9 cubic feet) up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.
Refined design and new technologies
The station wagon is immediately recognizable as a new variant of the best-selling Chevrolet Cruze. The exterior design features a tapering single arch roofline and comes with roof racks as standard, providing convenience while maintaining a poised and sporty look.
A number of exterior and interior styling changes are being introduced in 2012 for all Cruze models. These include a remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, and new wheel styles on the exterior and refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes for the interior.
New Cruzes are equipped with keyless entry, allowing access the vehicle with the key safely tucked away in a bag or pocket. Additionally, the system allows the engine to be turned on or off by pressing a button without the need to insert the key into the ignition.
A brand-new Chevrolet infotainment system, called MyLink, is being introduced in higher trim levels in the Cruze line-up and in the Chevrolet Aveo as of summer 2012. It brings owners' smartphone capabilities into the vehicle.
MyLink aggregates content from the smartphone onto the seven-inch diagonal high-resolution full-color touch-screen display. Once the smartphone is connected, personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, videos and other stored media and data, such as a special navigation app, can be accessed though the infotainment system touch-screen.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.
GM USA
The station wagon complements the Cruze sedan and hatchback, which together have combined sales of more than 1 million vehicles globally since launch in 2009.
"The Cruze station wagon caters to an important market segment. It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy," said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty.
The new station wagon, which is not planned for sale in North America, features generous storage space and a choice of powerful and efficient engines as well as the state-of-the-art Chevrolet MyLink onboard infotainment system.
The new and improved engines will be available on the entire Cruze line-up starting summer 2012. In addition to the current 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines, a new 1.4L turbo gasoline, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine complete the powertrain offer.
The 1.4L gasoline, 1.7L diesel and 2.0L diesel engines come with start-stop technology as standard. All engines are Euro 5-compliant.
The station wagon, at 4,675 mm (184.1 inches), is slightly longer than the hatchback (4,510 mm/ 177.6 inches) and sedan (4,597 mm /181 inches) models. Load space ranges from 500 liters (17.6 cubic feet) up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 liters (52.9 cubic feet) up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.
Refined design and new technologies
The station wagon is immediately recognizable as a new variant of the best-selling Chevrolet Cruze. The exterior design features a tapering single arch roofline and comes with roof racks as standard, providing convenience while maintaining a poised and sporty look.
A number of exterior and interior styling changes are being introduced in 2012 for all Cruze models. These include a remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, and new wheel styles on the exterior and refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes for the interior.
New Cruzes are equipped with keyless entry, allowing access the vehicle with the key safely tucked away in a bag or pocket. Additionally, the system allows the engine to be turned on or off by pressing a button without the need to insert the key into the ignition.
A brand-new Chevrolet infotainment system, called MyLink, is being introduced in higher trim levels in the Cruze line-up and in the Chevrolet Aveo as of summer 2012. It brings owners' smartphone capabilities into the vehicle.
MyLink aggregates content from the smartphone onto the seven-inch diagonal high-resolution full-color touch-screen display. Once the smartphone is connected, personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, videos and other stored media and data, such as a special navigation app, can be accessed though the infotainment system touch-screen.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.
GM USA
Friday, February 10, 2012
Chevrolet Super Bowl Ads Drive Purchase Consideration
Advertising experts say more people are interested in buying Chevrolet cars and trucks due to clever and targeted advertising and innovative digital campaigns tied to Super Bowl XLVI.
According to the CNBC/Collective Intellect Super Sunday Ad Tracker research conducted before, during and after the game, Chevrolet came in first in purchase language – language that suggests a consumers’ intent to purchase a product based on the advertising. Chevrolet beat out all of the other brands that also advertised during the Super Bowl by a comfortable margin.
“Our strategy was to reach far beyond the in-game spots, and extend the conversation about Chevy cars and trucks through multiple digital efforts before, during and, importantly, after the game,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “In the end, brand exposure and purchase consideration is what this is all about, and these results show Chevrolet nailed it.
“We knew if we delivered a focused message about Chevrolet cars and trucks, using strong creative with a sense of humor, we could generate meaningful interest in our products that could translate into future sales,” said Ewanick.
According to Nielsen, Chevrolet ads in total also excelled in breakthrough and memorability, scoring higher than the Automotive Super Bowl average and the Overall Super Bowl average.
In addition to the attention-grabbing ads, Chevrolet’s digital efforts proved successful with more than 700,000 registrations for the Chevy Game Time app, more than 35 million page views, and more than 25 million trivia answers submitted before and during the game. Chevrolet also gained more than 130,000 new fans on Facebook and more than 9,000 new followers on Twitter.
According to the CNBC/Collective Intellect Super Sunday Ad Tracker research conducted before, during and after the game, Chevrolet came in first in purchase language – language that suggests a consumers’ intent to purchase a product based on the advertising. Chevrolet beat out all of the other brands that also advertised during the Super Bowl by a comfortable margin.
“Our strategy was to reach far beyond the in-game spots, and extend the conversation about Chevy cars and trucks through multiple digital efforts before, during and, importantly, after the game,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “In the end, brand exposure and purchase consideration is what this is all about, and these results show Chevrolet nailed it.
“We knew if we delivered a focused message about Chevrolet cars and trucks, using strong creative with a sense of humor, we could generate meaningful interest in our products that could translate into future sales,” said Ewanick.
According to Nielsen, Chevrolet ads in total also excelled in breakthrough and memorability, scoring higher than the Automotive Super Bowl average and the Overall Super Bowl average.
In addition to the attention-grabbing ads, Chevrolet’s digital efforts proved successful with more than 700,000 registrations for the Chevy Game Time app, more than 35 million page views, and more than 25 million trivia answers submitted before and during the game. Chevrolet also gained more than 130,000 new fans on Facebook and more than 9,000 new followers on Twitter.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Super Bowl XLVI MVP Takes Home Chevrolet Corvette
Chevrolet, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl XLVI MVP Award, presented New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning with a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition in recognition of his tremendous effort on the field in the Giants’ 21-17 win over the New England Patriots.
A media panel and fan vote on www.superbowl.com determined the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl Postgame Show on NBC, presented by Chevrolet.
The Corvette Grand Sport Convertible sports car features a 6.2-liter small-block V-8, with 436 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds, and reaching more than 1g of cornering force, it’s one of the most potent convertibles on the market. For 2012, all Corvettes are available with the black-on-black Chevrolet Centennial edition, commemorating 100 years of Chevrolet history.
The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Corvette Grand Sport Convertible.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
GM USA
A media panel and fan vote on www.superbowl.com determined the MVP Award winner, announced during the Super Bowl Postgame Show on NBC, presented by Chevrolet.
The Corvette Grand Sport Convertible sports car features a 6.2-liter small-block V-8, with 436 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds, and reaching more than 1g of cornering force, it’s one of the most potent convertibles on the market. For 2012, all Corvettes are available with the black-on-black Chevrolet Centennial edition, commemorating 100 years of Chevrolet history.
The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Corvette Grand Sport Convertible.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
GM USA
Monday, January 30, 2012
AT&T Orders 1,200 CNG-powered Chevrolet Express Vans
AT&T plans to take delivery of 1,200 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG) dedicated cargo vans to be deployed to AT&T service centers nationwide. It is the largest-ever order of CNG vehicles from General Motors.
AT&T, which has announced its intention to invest up to $565 million to deploy approximately 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles over a 10-year period through 2018, will use the vans to provide and maintain communications, high-speed Internet and television services for AT&T customers. Last week, the company announced the milestone deployment of its 5,000th alternative-fuel vehicle, a Chevrolet Express van, as part of the commitment.
“CNG technology is important to AT&T because it helps us reduce our fleet-based carbon emissions,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president of Fleet Operations. “It is also cost-effective and readily available in our country right now.”
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG-powered vans can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans, which supports AT&T’s corporate commitment to minimize its impact on the environment.
“There are millions of fleet vehicles on the road today and we want to be a critical part of this sustainable revolution, helping make these conversions as easy as possible,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.
Chevrolet Express CNG vans are powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine equipped with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems. The vans are factory ordered and delivered to customers with their factory-engineered and fully integrated gaseous fuel system in place, completely ready for work.
The CNG option is available for order on Chevrolet Express 2500 and 3500 Cargo vans. Each van is covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and meets all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.
The GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group offers a discussion forum for Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac fleet vehicle owners.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
GM USA
AT&T, which has announced its intention to invest up to $565 million to deploy approximately 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles over a 10-year period through 2018, will use the vans to provide and maintain communications, high-speed Internet and television services for AT&T customers. Last week, the company announced the milestone deployment of its 5,000th alternative-fuel vehicle, a Chevrolet Express van, as part of the commitment.
“CNG technology is important to AT&T because it helps us reduce our fleet-based carbon emissions,” said Jerome Webber, AT&T vice president of Fleet Operations. “It is also cost-effective and readily available in our country right now.”
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG-powered vans can produce approximately 25 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than similar gasoline and diesel-powered vans, which supports AT&T’s corporate commitment to minimize its impact on the environment.
“There are millions of fleet vehicles on the road today and we want to be a critical part of this sustainable revolution, helping make these conversions as easy as possible,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.
Chevrolet Express CNG vans are powered by a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine equipped with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems. The vans are factory ordered and delivered to customers with their factory-engineered and fully integrated gaseous fuel system in place, completely ready for work.
The CNG option is available for order on Chevrolet Express 2500 and 3500 Cargo vans. Each van is covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and meets all Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission certification requirements.
The GM Fleet and Commercial Customer Service LinkedIn group offers a discussion forum for Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac fleet vehicle owners.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
GM USA
Monday, January 23, 2012
Global Launch of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Continues
Chevrolet continued its global rollout of the all-new 2013 Malibu midsize sedan today with the first shipment of its most fuel-efficient Malibu ever – the Malibu Eco –to dealers across the United States.
The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, bringing with it:
The 2013 Malibu is built at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant, which opened in 1987. It has been the home of the Chevrolet Malibu and has built more than 1.4 million of them since 2003. The Fairfax plant operates three shifts and is the largest employer in the Kansas City Metro area, with more than 4,000 employees. The Malibu is also scheduled to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant later this summer.
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L engine debuts in the Malibu later this summer, followed by an all-new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine.
The new Malibu Eco is priced less than a full hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Last year, the Malibu was GM’s second-best selling car in the United States behind the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.
The new Malibu is already on sale in South Korea and will arrive in dealerships in China by the end of the first quarter.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
The Malibu Eco is the first model of the all-new 2013 Malibu lineup to reach dealer showrooms in North America, bringing with it:
- A sporty exterior shaped to save fuel
- An all-new interior with more room, comfort and premium materials
- Sound-reducing and sound-absorbing components to make it the quietest Chevrolet in history
- All-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system that enhances customer connectivity
- All-new ride-and-handling package
- Engineering to meet top safety results around the world.
The 2013 Malibu is built at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant, which opened in 1987. It has been the home of the Chevrolet Malibu and has built more than 1.4 million of them since 2003. The Fairfax plant operates three shifts and is the largest employer in the Kansas City Metro area, with more than 4,000 employees. The Malibu is also scheduled to be built at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant later this summer.
An all-new Ecotec 2.5L engine debuts in the Malibu later this summer, followed by an all-new Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine.
The new Malibu Eco is priced less than a full hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price of $25,995, including a $760 destination charge. The 2013 Malibu is Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan and will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Last year, the Malibu was GM’s second-best selling car in the United States behind the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.
The new Malibu is already on sale in South Korea and will arrive in dealerships in China by the end of the first quarter.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
Labels:
Chevrolet Malibu,
Grossman,
Grossman Chevrolet
Location:
Old Saybrook, CT, USA
2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible Sells for $600,000
The first 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest and most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – sold for $600,000 in the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale collector car auction Saturday.
The Corvette 427 Convertible, which arrives at U.S. Chevrolet dealers this summer, blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models. The Vehicle Identification Number ending in 001 was sold in the auction.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.
Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports teamed up for the auction, with four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick, to raise a total of $700,000 for the AARP’s Drive to End Hunger food relief program.
The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
The Corvette 427 Convertible, which arrives at U.S. Chevrolet dealers this summer, blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models. The Vehicle Identification Number ending in 001 was sold in the auction.
Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.
Early 427-powered Corvettes, particularly convertibles, offered from 1966 to 1969 are some of the most-coveted and collectable Corvettes ever produced.
Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports teamed up for the auction, with four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick, to raise a total of $700,000 for the AARP’s Drive to End Hunger food relief program.
The Drive to End Hunger is part of a multi-year sponsorship for Gordon’s No. 24 Chevrolet. It calls on racing fans, corporations and charitable organizations to raise money, build awareness, and engage Americans who face the threat of hunger.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
Volt Owners May Soon Get Charged with Renewable Energy
Chevrolet Volt electric car owners could soon charge with renewable energy using a new solution from OnStar.
The technology is enabled as OnStar receives a signal from PJM Interconnection that shows the percentage of available renewable energy on the grid. Data from this forecast is downloaded to the OnStar cloud, or Advanced Telematics Operating Management System (ATOMS). OnStar uses this signal to simultaneously manage the charging of many Volts and to match the renewable energy availability. A mobile app could also be used to alert customers when renewable energy is available.
OnStar and Google are working together to demonstrate the technology on the 17 Chevrolet Volts in Google’s “Gfleet” based at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.
“This demonstration shows that in the near future customers will have a real signal of demand for renewable energy,” said Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president of planning and business development. “As customers configure their Volts to favor renewable energy for their charging cycle, this real demand signal will influence utilities to tap into renewable sources."
The demonstrations are taking place this week at the 2012 DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio. DistribuTECH attendees can see live demos at Booth 1543. OnStar will also be demonstrating the company’s Demand Response and Time-of-Use Rate solutions.
PJM data shows that peak time for renewable energy generation from wind is generally between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. With this in mind, it would be possible for customers to use OnStar’s Smart Grid solutions to further reduce their carbon footprint and save money by charging during these off-peak times.
“Solutions like this one will ultimately lead to increased renewable energy generation and allow Chevrolet Volt owners to be a key part of that energy transformation,” said Pudar.
If the renewable energy service goes into production, customers interested in using it would simply need to sign up. OnStar would then regulate their charging using the renewable energy signal.
The renewable energy technology is the latest addition to OnStar’s suite of Smart Grid solutions. OnStar has also developed intelligent energy management technology solutions including:
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.
About PJM Interconnection
Founded in 1927, PJM Interconnection ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 60 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region’s transmission grid, which includes 62,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion.
GM USA
The technology is enabled as OnStar receives a signal from PJM Interconnection that shows the percentage of available renewable energy on the grid. Data from this forecast is downloaded to the OnStar cloud, or Advanced Telematics Operating Management System (ATOMS). OnStar uses this signal to simultaneously manage the charging of many Volts and to match the renewable energy availability. A mobile app could also be used to alert customers when renewable energy is available.
OnStar and Google are working together to demonstrate the technology on the 17 Chevrolet Volts in Google’s “Gfleet” based at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.
“This demonstration shows that in the near future customers will have a real signal of demand for renewable energy,” said Nick Pudar, OnStar vice president of planning and business development. “As customers configure their Volts to favor renewable energy for their charging cycle, this real demand signal will influence utilities to tap into renewable sources."
The demonstrations are taking place this week at the 2012 DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition in San Antonio. DistribuTECH attendees can see live demos at Booth 1543. OnStar will also be demonstrating the company’s Demand Response and Time-of-Use Rate solutions.
PJM data shows that peak time for renewable energy generation from wind is generally between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. With this in mind, it would be possible for customers to use OnStar’s Smart Grid solutions to further reduce their carbon footprint and save money by charging during these off-peak times.
“Solutions like this one will ultimately lead to increased renewable energy generation and allow Chevrolet Volt owners to be a key part of that energy transformation,” said Pudar.
If the renewable energy service goes into production, customers interested in using it would simply need to sign up. OnStar would then regulate their charging using the renewable energy signal.
The renewable energy technology is the latest addition to OnStar’s suite of Smart Grid solutions. OnStar has also developed intelligent energy management technology solutions including:
- Demand response – This solution connects utilities to companies that have intelligent energy management products. These companies can use OnStar to manage energy use for Volt customers who opt in for the service. This future service allows the customer to save money on energy costs while enabling more efficient use of the electric grid.
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates – OnStar can receive dynamic TOU pricing from utilities and notify Volt owners of the rate plan offers via email. Owners will be able to use OnStar to load the rate plans directly into their vehicle and access them to schedule charging during lower-rate periods.
- Charging data – OnStar also sends and receives EV data that helps utility providers without having to interface with the vehicle’s electric vehicle supply equipment. This includes location-based EV data that identifies charging locations and determines potential load scenarios.
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.
About PJM Interconnection
Founded in 1927, PJM Interconnection ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 60 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region’s transmission grid, which includes 62,000 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion.
GM USA
Labels:
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Chevrolet Volt,
Grossman,
Grossman Chevrolet
Location:
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Play to Win with Interactive Chevy App for Super Bowl XLVI
Chevrolet today announced a first-of-its-kind app which will allow viewers of Super Bowl XLVI to play trivia, interact with each other via Twitter, participate in polls and possibly win one of 20 Chevrolets or thousands of other prizes.
The Chevy Game Time app will be available in the Android Market, the App Store and at chevy.com/gametime by kick off of the NFL’s NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 22.
As participants watch the Super Bowl, they can play along to win prizes from Chevrolet, Bridgestone, Motorola, the NFL and NFLShop.com, Papa John’s Pizza and Sirius XM Radio.
“This is the first time any company has attempted such a large-scale app, which will enhance the game watching experience and help them engage in the online conversation about the Super Bowl,” said Joel Ewanick, global chief marketing officer, General Motors.
“The way people watch TV has changed with smart phones and tablets helping viewers interact while in front of the screen,” Ewanick said. “This app takes that interactivity to a whole new level on one of the biggest days for television viewing.”
Chances to win begin as soon as the player downloads the Chevy Game Time app with instant win opportunities. In addition, players will also receive a unique license plate number. If their plate appears during a Chevrolet advertisement during the game or online, they win a vehicle.
While watching the Super Bowl, players can answer trivia questions or polls relating to the football game, teams, commercials and other related events. By selecting the correct or most common answer, they will be entered into drawings to win one of thousands of prizes.
The Chevy Game Time app is one activity among Super Bowl-related initiatives at Chevrolet. These include advertiser exclusivity for the NBCSports.com game day live stream coverage for desktop and tablet computers; partnering with Twitter and the NFL on Twitter’s 'Road to the #SuperBowl' and NFL Huddle site and a range of engagement tactics and fan activations on Chevrolet's own social channels.
“With these initiatives, the traditional ads on the Super Bowl broadcast and additional initiatives we will announce soon, we expect more than 1.5 billion impressions of our message on game day and beyond,” said Ewanick.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
The Chevy Game Time app will be available in the Android Market, the App Store and at chevy.com/gametime by kick off of the NFL’s NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 22.
As participants watch the Super Bowl, they can play along to win prizes from Chevrolet, Bridgestone, Motorola, the NFL and NFLShop.com, Papa John’s Pizza and Sirius XM Radio.
“This is the first time any company has attempted such a large-scale app, which will enhance the game watching experience and help them engage in the online conversation about the Super Bowl,” said Joel Ewanick, global chief marketing officer, General Motors.
“The way people watch TV has changed with smart phones and tablets helping viewers interact while in front of the screen,” Ewanick said. “This app takes that interactivity to a whole new level on one of the biggest days for television viewing.”
Chances to win begin as soon as the player downloads the Chevy Game Time app with instant win opportunities. In addition, players will also receive a unique license plate number. If their plate appears during a Chevrolet advertisement during the game or online, they win a vehicle.
While watching the Super Bowl, players can answer trivia questions or polls relating to the football game, teams, commercials and other related events. By selecting the correct or most common answer, they will be entered into drawings to win one of thousands of prizes.
The Chevy Game Time app is one activity among Super Bowl-related initiatives at Chevrolet. These include advertiser exclusivity for the NBCSports.com game day live stream coverage for desktop and tablet computers; partnering with Twitter and the NFL on Twitter’s 'Road to the #SuperBowl' and NFL Huddle site and a range of engagement tactics and fan activations on Chevrolet's own social channels.
“With these initiatives, the traditional ads on the Super Bowl broadcast and additional initiatives we will announce soon, we expect more than 1.5 billion impressions of our message on game day and beyond,” said Ewanick.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM USA
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Chevy Spark and Sonic RS Buyers Get MyLink, Their Way
The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS and uplevel models of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark will be equipped with Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system that works by bringing owners’ smartphone capabilities into the vehicle.
The seven-inch (diagonal) touch screen color radios in the Sonic RS and Spark will be produced by LG Electronics, it was announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show. Show goers will be able to test drive the MyLink system for Sonic RS and Spark at a special display.
“The whole philosophy of MyLink is about letting our customers personalize how they bring information and music into their vehicles,” said Sara LeBlanc, GM global infotainment program manager.
“Customers all over the world told us they’ve set up their smartphones exactly how they want them, and the ideal car radio should extend the capabilities of their smartphone rather than try to duplicate them,” she said. “We listened to our customers and gave them a system that is safe, simple and connected.”
With MyLink in the Sonic RS and Spark, the smartphone, in effect, functions in the same way a hard drive would in an embedded infotainment system. Owners of compatible devices can bring their own media into the vehicle through a USB or by docking the smartphone phone using the radio’s Bluetooth connection (Visit gm.com/Bluetooth to see which phones are compatible.). There also is a dedicated plug-in outlet for certain personal music devices and smartphones that do not use USB or Bluetooth connections.
Once the compatible smartphones are integrated, owners can access their personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books and other stored media and data.
To operate the system, the owner selects from options projected onto the touch screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings. Each menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions.
Phone calls can be made without dialing: The owner can select a name from the stored directory, touch the call function and project the call through the vehicle speakers. Additional media applications will work only when the vehicle is parked.
When the Sonic RS and Spark go on sale, apps for U.S.-based Pandora and Stitcher internet radio will be will be available. Chevrolet MyLink functionality varies by model. MyLink on Sonic and Spark RS does not include integrated voice recognition or Gracenotes capability.
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark goes on sale this summer. MyLink is planned to be standard on the 1LT and 2LT models. The 2013 Sonic RS will be available in the fourth quarter of this year.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM Media
The seven-inch (diagonal) touch screen color radios in the Sonic RS and Spark will be produced by LG Electronics, it was announced today at the Consumer Electronics Show. Show goers will be able to test drive the MyLink system for Sonic RS and Spark at a special display.
“The whole philosophy of MyLink is about letting our customers personalize how they bring information and music into their vehicles,” said Sara LeBlanc, GM global infotainment program manager.
“Customers all over the world told us they’ve set up their smartphones exactly how they want them, and the ideal car radio should extend the capabilities of their smartphone rather than try to duplicate them,” she said. “We listened to our customers and gave them a system that is safe, simple and connected.”
With MyLink in the Sonic RS and Spark, the smartphone, in effect, functions in the same way a hard drive would in an embedded infotainment system. Owners of compatible devices can bring their own media into the vehicle through a USB or by docking the smartphone phone using the radio’s Bluetooth connection (Visit gm.com/Bluetooth to see which phones are compatible.). There also is a dedicated plug-in outlet for certain personal music devices and smartphones that do not use USB or Bluetooth connections.
Once the compatible smartphones are integrated, owners can access their personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books and other stored media and data.
To operate the system, the owner selects from options projected onto the touch screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings. Each menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions.
Phone calls can be made without dialing: The owner can select a name from the stored directory, touch the call function and project the call through the vehicle speakers. Additional media applications will work only when the vehicle is parked.
When the Sonic RS and Spark go on sale, apps for U.S.-based Pandora and Stitcher internet radio will be will be available. Chevrolet MyLink functionality varies by model. MyLink on Sonic and Spark RS does not include integrated voice recognition or Gracenotes capability.
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark goes on sale this summer. MyLink is planned to be standard on the 1LT and 2LT models. The 2013 Sonic RS will be available in the fourth quarter of this year.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
GM Media
Monday, January 9, 2012
Enhancing the Volt
I wanted to share some developments with you about our response to the NHTSA investigation into the Chevrolet Volt resulting from a fire several days after a severe crash test.
If you’ll remember, NHTSA began testing the Volt battery after one of the vehicles it crash tested in May caught fire three weeks after the test. Testing and analysis revealed the fire was the result of a minor intrusion from a portion of the vehicle into a side section of the battery pack. The intrusion resulted in a small coolant leak inside the battery, approximately 50 ml (one-quarter of a cup) of fluid.
Over the past few weeks, GM engineers have completed development and validation on a set of proposed enhancements and shared them with NHTSA staff.
We ran a series of internal tests and all successfully resulted in no battery pack intrusion or coolant leakage, thereby eliminating the chance for a post-crash electrical fire for this test condition.
Through the first 11 months of 2011, Volt owners accumulated more than 20 million miles without any incident similar to the NHTSA tests. That said, we are choosing to go the extra mile to ensure our customers’ peace of mind. GM will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Program and implement structural and coolant system enhancements to further protect the Volt battery from the possibility of an electrical fire occurring days or weeks after a severe side crash.
First, we’re going to strengthen an existing portion of the vehicle’s safety structure that protects the battery pack in the event of a severe side collision. The enhancements add to the robustness in protecting the battery and its coolant lines in the event of a severe side crash. Beginning in February, dealers will begin making these modifications for current Volt owners. When production resumes at the Volt plant this month, we’re integrating similar structural enhancements into the body shop manufacturing process.
In addition to these structural modifications, we’re going to make enhancements to the battery coolant system, including:
-Installing a sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system to monitor coolant levels.
-Adding a tamper resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to help prevent potential coolant overfill.
-The Volt’s battery cooling system is sealed and protected, but again we’re taking these steps to provide peace of mind for customers.
These enhancements should prevent battery pack intrusion and coolant leakage thereby eliminating the risk of a post crash electrical fire in the NHTSA’s test side impact pole test. They will also be helpful to the automotive industry as the adoption of electrification technologies expands.
Our actions have nothing to do with the battery pack itself. None of these changes will touch the battery cell or pack. As a result we will not change any part of the manufacturing process at our Brownstown, Michigan, battery pack assembly plant.
I’m proud of the work our team members have done to get these steps in place as quickly as they did. It was an unprecedented response by today’s GM. Our commitment is to provide our customers with the best ownership experience in the industry and we’re focused on delivering that every day.
That’s how we intend to win with Volt, and with every other vehicle we design, build and sell.
If you’ll remember, NHTSA began testing the Volt battery after one of the vehicles it crash tested in May caught fire three weeks after the test. Testing and analysis revealed the fire was the result of a minor intrusion from a portion of the vehicle into a side section of the battery pack. The intrusion resulted in a small coolant leak inside the battery, approximately 50 ml (one-quarter of a cup) of fluid.
Over the past few weeks, GM engineers have completed development and validation on a set of proposed enhancements and shared them with NHTSA staff.
We ran a series of internal tests and all successfully resulted in no battery pack intrusion or coolant leakage, thereby eliminating the chance for a post-crash electrical fire for this test condition.
Through the first 11 months of 2011, Volt owners accumulated more than 20 million miles without any incident similar to the NHTSA tests. That said, we are choosing to go the extra mile to ensure our customers’ peace of mind. GM will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Program and implement structural and coolant system enhancements to further protect the Volt battery from the possibility of an electrical fire occurring days or weeks after a severe side crash.
First, we’re going to strengthen an existing portion of the vehicle’s safety structure that protects the battery pack in the event of a severe side collision. The enhancements add to the robustness in protecting the battery and its coolant lines in the event of a severe side crash. Beginning in February, dealers will begin making these modifications for current Volt owners. When production resumes at the Volt plant this month, we’re integrating similar structural enhancements into the body shop manufacturing process.
In addition to these structural modifications, we’re going to make enhancements to the battery coolant system, including:
-Installing a sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system to monitor coolant levels.
-Adding a tamper resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to help prevent potential coolant overfill.
-The Volt’s battery cooling system is sealed and protected, but again we’re taking these steps to provide peace of mind for customers.
These enhancements should prevent battery pack intrusion and coolant leakage thereby eliminating the risk of a post crash electrical fire in the NHTSA’s test side impact pole test. They will also be helpful to the automotive industry as the adoption of electrification technologies expands.
Our actions have nothing to do with the battery pack itself. None of these changes will touch the battery cell or pack. As a result we will not change any part of the manufacturing process at our Brownstown, Michigan, battery pack assembly plant.
I’m proud of the work our team members have done to get these steps in place as quickly as they did. It was an unprecedented response by today’s GM. Our commitment is to provide our customers with the best ownership experience in the industry and we’re focused on delivering that every day.
That’s how we intend to win with Volt, and with every other vehicle we design, build and sell.
Labels:
Chevrolet,
Chevrolet Volt,
Grossman,
Grossman Chevrolet
Location:
Old Saybrook, CT, USA
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
GM’s U.S. Sales Increase 5 Percent in December
Full-year sales increase 14 percent; market share grows!
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total U.S. sales of 234,351 vehicles in December, up 5 percent compared with December 2010. Sales for the calendar year were up 14 percent year over year to more than 2.5 million units and the company gained market share.
“GM’s balanced portfolio of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers helped us make the most of the U.S. economy’s slow but steady recovery in 2011,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Importantly, we were able to grow all four of our brands and reestablish Chevrolet as a force to be reckoned with in the passenger car business. This gives us a very solid foundation to compete in a market that we expect to keep growing.”
In December, retail deliveries were up 2 percent compared with a very strong December 2010, and accounted for 81 percent of GM sales. Deliveries to fleets were up 17 percent.
GM’s total passenger car sales for the month increased 12 percent. Crossover sales decreased 14 percent. Sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs increased 13 percent.
Highlights for the month include a 42 percent year-over-year increase in Chevrolet Sonic sales (compared with the Aveo), a 54 percent increase in Chevrolet Cruze sales, a 20 percent increase for the Chevrolet Camaro and a 13 percent increase for the Chevrolet Malibu. The Chevrolet Volt sold more than 1,500 units, making December its best month ever.
Other highlights include double-digit sales increases for the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon XL. In addition, Chevrolet Equinox had its best sales month of the year in December.
GM ended December with about 580,000 units in dealer stock, including approximately 180,000 full-size pickup trucks, as planned.
GM expects full-year 2012 light vehicle sales to be in a range of 13.5 million to 14.0 million units. In previous years, GM’s forecasts were based on total vehicle sales, which included medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, or about 300,000 additional units.
“Over the course of the fourth quarter of 2011, clear signs emerged that U.S. consumers are more confident and that other underpinnings of our economy are either stable or slowly improving,” Johnson said. “When we add improving economic fundamentals to pent-up demand and an aging vehicle fleet, it’s now clear that auto sales should continue to grow in 2012, barring a shock to the system.”
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” “believe,” “commit,” “intend,” “continue,” “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “projected,” “positioned” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.
GM USA
General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today reported total U.S. sales of 234,351 vehicles in December, up 5 percent compared with December 2010. Sales for the calendar year were up 14 percent year over year to more than 2.5 million units and the company gained market share.
“GM’s balanced portfolio of fuel-efficient cars, trucks and crossovers helped us make the most of the U.S. economy’s slow but steady recovery in 2011,” said Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “Importantly, we were able to grow all four of our brands and reestablish Chevrolet as a force to be reckoned with in the passenger car business. This gives us a very solid foundation to compete in a market that we expect to keep growing.”
In December, retail deliveries were up 2 percent compared with a very strong December 2010, and accounted for 81 percent of GM sales. Deliveries to fleets were up 17 percent.
GM’s total passenger car sales for the month increased 12 percent. Crossover sales decreased 14 percent. Sales of trucks, which include full-size pickups, vans and SUVs increased 13 percent.
Highlights for the month include a 42 percent year-over-year increase in Chevrolet Sonic sales (compared with the Aveo), a 54 percent increase in Chevrolet Cruze sales, a 20 percent increase for the Chevrolet Camaro and a 13 percent increase for the Chevrolet Malibu. The Chevrolet Volt sold more than 1,500 units, making December its best month ever.
Other highlights include double-digit sales increases for the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban, and the GMC Yukon XL. In addition, Chevrolet Equinox had its best sales month of the year in December.
Sales Highlights | Dec. 2011 Total Sales (vehicles) | Total Sales Change vs. Dec. 2010 | Dec. 2011 Retail Sales Change vs. Dec. 2010 | 2011 Total Sales (vehicles) | 2011 Total Sales Change vs. 2010 | 2011 Retail Sales Change vs. 2010 |
Chevrolet | 161,158 | 8.9% | 5.3% | 1,775,812 | 13.4% | 19.4% |
GMC | 41,960 | (0.5)% | (4.1)% | 397,986 | 18.8% | 16.0% |
Buick | 14,974 | (12.4)% | (8.4)% | 177,633 | 14.3% | 14.7% |
Cadillac | 16,259 | (2.7)% | 4.9% | 152,389 | 3.7% | 10.5% |
Total GM | 234,351 | 4.7% | 2.1% | 2,503,820 | 13.7% | 17.6% |
GM ended December with about 580,000 units in dealer stock, including approximately 180,000 full-size pickup trucks, as planned.
GM expects full-year 2012 light vehicle sales to be in a range of 13.5 million to 14.0 million units. In previous years, GM’s forecasts were based on total vehicle sales, which included medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, or about 300,000 additional units.
“Over the course of the fourth quarter of 2011, clear signs emerged that U.S. consumers are more confident and that other underpinnings of our economy are either stable or slowly improving,” Johnson said. “When we add improving economic fundamentals to pent-up demand and an aging vehicle fleet, it’s now clear that auto sales should continue to grow in 2012, barring a shock to the system.”
Inventory | Units @ Dec. 31, 2011 | Days Supply (selling days adjusted) | Units @ Nov. 30, 2011 | Days Supply (selling days adjusted) |
All Vehicles | 583,407 | 67 | 623,666 | 86 |
Full-size Pickups | 181,070 | 73 | 202,720 | 105 |
Industry Sales | Dec. 2011 SAAR (est.) | 2011 (est.) | 2010 |
Total Vehicles | 13.9 million | 13.1 million | 11.8 million |
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” “believe,” “commit,” “intend,” “continue,” “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “projected,” “positioned” or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; and our ability to continue to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in future reports to the SEC.
GM USA
Labels:
Chevrolet,
GM,
Grossman Chevrolet
Location:
Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
GM Foundation Matching Gift Program Boosts United Way
Donations up to $100,000, dollar for dollar, will help Network of Excellence schools
The General Motors Foundation today announced that it will match up to $100,000, dollar for dollar, in donations to United Way for Southeastern Michigan by Dec. 31, 2011. To give, visit: http://www.liveunitedsem.org/doubleyourgift.“One of the most important challenges in our community today is the education of our young people – ensuring that kids enter kindergarten ready to learn and that at the very least they obtain a high school degree,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
“A year ago, we received unprecedented grant funding from the GM Foundation to establish a ‘Networks of Excellence’ initiative that supports seven turnaround high schools in the region and the development of Early Learning Communities in each of those schools,” Brennan said.
Early indicators show the model is succeeding in reducing chronic absences and improving graduation rates.
“But there is so much more left to be done and we are grateful that the GM Foundation is giving United Way another boost through its generous year-end match program,” Brennan said.
“Whether United Way receives $50 or $5,000, every dollar matters. The GM Foundation’s match is intended to inspire individual, community and corporate donors to double the value of their gift to United Way between now and the end of the year,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard.
"Our commitment to match grants from the community will help enable the United Way to bolster education and other programs to bring a better quality of life to those in need,” she said.
About the General Motors Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the General Motors Foundation has helped to strengthen communities across the United States through investments in Education, Health/Human Services, Environment/Energy and Community Development. Over the past ten years, the foundation has donated more than $350 million to send students to college, educate parents on how to keep children safe in and around vehicles, promote diversity and support vital non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
About General Motors
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com/.
About United Way for Southeastern MichiganUnited Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at http://www.liveunitedsem.org/.
GM NEWS
Labels:
Chevrolet,
GM,
Grossman Chevrolet
Location:
Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
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