Silverado Texas Edition Available for 2012

First Silverado HD to wear a Texas Edition badge

• Award-winning capability with Texas attitude
• 2500HD and 3500HD models offered
• Available Duramax diesel and Allison Transmission

DALLAS – Chevrolet today announced its first-ever Silverado HD Texas Edition, which takes the award-winning Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD pickups and adds a strong shot of Texas attitude.

The announcement was made today during the press days for the State Fair of Texas, which opens to the public on Sept. 30.

“We think the Silverado HD and Texas are a winning combination,” said Dave Nottoli, Chevrolet regional director for sales and marketing.  “We started with the Chevrolet Silverado HD, which was 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, and gave it some Texas attitude, with enhanced exterior style and more interior amenities.”

The Silverado HD Texas Edition is available in 2500HD or 3500 HD extended cab or crew cab models with the LT trim level.  In addition to the unique Texas Edition badge, 2500HD models include:

• 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels
• Trailering package and automatic-locking differential
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Six-way power driver seat
• CD player with USB port, steering-wheel controls and Bluetooth for phones
• Power camper mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lamps, and an EZ-Lift tailgate
• Chrome door handles, body side molding accents, and six-inch oval assist steps

The 3500HD models are similarly equipped, except the wheels are either 18-inch on single-rear-wheel models, or 17-inch on duallys.

All are available with the Duramax diesel engine, with 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque, and an Allison transmission.

The Silverado HD Texas Edition is backed by the best coverage of all full-size pickups, including a five-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty along with roadside assistance and a courtesy transportation program.

“Texans currently buy about one out of every six heavy-duty pickups sold in the United States,” said Nottoli.  “When you take the capability of the Silverado HD, then add the features and amenities of the Texas Edition, we think it will be a hit here in the Lone Star State.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 140 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Chevy Volt Batteries To Get Second Life

GM is so confident in the durability of the advanced lithium-ion batteries used in the new Chevrolet Volt that it offers a standard warranty covering the battery packs for a full 8 years/100,000 miles. But even after providing that kind of service to Volt owners, the batteries are still expected to have up to 70 percent of their capabilities remaining when their automotive use has ended. And now, to ensure that doesn’t go to waste—and to help reduce waste overall—GM is teaming with the tech experts at the ABB Group to investigate using the Volt’s batteries to help utility companies better manage the country’s power grid and provide backup power in the case of outages or brownouts.

Specifically, they are looking at ways the batteries can store energy, including energy from renewable sources such as wind and the sun, when consumer demand for electricity is low and then feed it back into the grid when demand increases. In fact, after already proving the compatibility of ABB’s existing technology with the Volt battery pack, the two companies are now building a prototype designed for 25-kilowatt/50-kWh applications—comparable to the power consumption of five typical U.S. homes.

“GM’s battery leadership position doesn’t stop at the road—it extends throughout the life of the battery, including ways we can benefit society and the environment,” said Micky Bly, GM executive director—Global Electrical Systems, Electrification and Infotainment. “As we grow our battery systems expertise, we need to assure we’re optimizing the development of our battery systems with secondary use in mind from the start. Partnerships with organizations such as ABB provide real-world applications that prove what we’re doing is real, not fiction.”

2013 Chevrolet Malibu’s Ride and Handling Challenges Segment’s Best

DETROIT – Segment-best ride and handling was a fundamental element for dynamic engineers as they calibrated the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan for customers in 100 markets on six continents.

Benefiting from continuous refinement of an award-winning global architecture, the global development team matched the car’s resized proportions – including wider front and rear tracks – with more direct steering and advanced chassis control systems. Architecture refinements   produced a Malibu with European-style precision and comfort tailored to North America’s diverse range of driving conditions.

“Our development team has been everywhere with the new Malibu, tuning the ride on rural back roads, suburban boulevards, urban freeways and just about every other type of road imaginable,” said Mark Moussa, global chief engineer. “The result is the most finely tuned Chevrolet mid-size sedan ever, with controlled dynamics in all driving conditions.”

A roster of integrated elements enable the dynamics of Malibu’s driving experience, including:

• A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global mid-size sedan market, enabling more precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control
• Proven and refined MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspensions
• Hydraulic ride bushings and isolated lower A-arms that enable a more quiet and refined ride
• A premium, ZF rack-mounted electric power steering gear for smooth, precise responsiveness and greater on-center feel
• Chassis control technologies include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, with full-function traction control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, and hydraulic brake assist

Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, which are expected to deliver segment-best stopping distance.

“Whatever the surface, you feel connected to the road in the new Malibu, while also being comfortably isolated from the imperfections and noise of the road,” said Moussa. “The feel behind the wheel is like that of premium sedans that cost thousands more, with a great feeling of control at highway speeds and excellent maneuverability at low speeds.”

An all-new, Ecotec 2.5L engine with direct injection makes its General Motors debut this summer and is Malibu’s standard engine. It has more horsepower than the current Malibu engine and greater low-rpm torque for on-demand power whenever the driving situation calls for it. The 2.5L delivers a GM-estimated 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (250 Nm).

Chevrolet will begin production early next year with its most fuel-efficient Malibu ever with the ECO model. The Malibu ECO delivers GM-estimated 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway fuel economy, thanks to its advanced eAssist light-electrification technology, which saves fuel without compromising drive performance. The system uses a lightweight lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop function. It weighs only 65 pounds (29 kg) and is situated in the trunk without significantly compromising space.

Malibu ECO’s eAssist system is mated to an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at a GM-estimated 182 horsepower (134 kW) and 172 ft.-lbs. of torque (233 Nm).

Strong structure and new proportions

Malibu’s greater feeling of control starts with the body-frame integral foundation. The body structure is 19-percent stiffer than the model it replaces, which translates to a more solid feel for passengers as well as enabling more precise calibration of the suspension and chassis components. More precise suspension tuning supports the car’s increased feeling of control.

The stiff body structure is composed of about 65 percent high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel. A finite element model computer program was used during development to ensure the optimal shape and forms of the steel, thereby eliminating unnecessary material that would add weight and detract from the Malibu’s overall ride and handling performance – and negatively affect fuel efficiency.

Integrated within that stiffer body structure are new proportions that provide a wider stance. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2013 Malibu’s 107.8-inch (2,738 mm) wheelbase is 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, but with front and rear tracks – 62 inches each (1,574 mm) – that are 2.5 inches (63 mm) wider in front and 2.0 inches (51 mm) wider in the rear, which helps the Malibu feel more planted in turns.

Dual paths and four links

The benefit of experience with the Malibu’s architecture helped engineers dial in a greater degree of control through the front and rear suspensions. They are composed of a compact, low-mass strut design in the front and a multi-link design in the rear with a higher degree of tuning and the incorporation of premium features. Highlights include:

• McPherson-strut front suspension with dual-path mountings, which separates the transfer of spring damper loads to the body to a smoother-feeling ride and an enhanced feeling of control.
• Side-load-compensated strut modules are designed to reduce the sliding friction caused by the bending load on the strut that is common in most suspension geometries, for more-precise suspension tuning. This configuration also enabled the front wheels to be moved farther outboard to enhance stability.
• Aluminum steering knuckle/strut carriers and control arms are used to minimize un-sprung weight, optimize weight distribution throughout the front suspension and intended to foster a more nimble driving feel.
• A direct-acting front stabilizer bar enables a more direct and immediate feeling to steering inputs. It is mounted to the rear portion of the engine cradle, with each end of the bar connected to the front struts. This hollow bar is also lighter than a solid bar.
• Isolated lower A-arms, with integrated ball joints, are attached via two mounting points on a sub-frame that, in turn, is mounted with four isolators to the body structure. This provides a firmer foundation for the A-arms, which helps engineers tune the suspension more precisely, while also reducing noise and vibration that could be transmitted to the interior.
• Hydraulic ride bushings in the front control arms deliver a higher degree of ride isolation, quieter performance and more controlled transfer of road inputs.
• A four-link rear suspension intended to contribute to the car’s controlled feel, with a direct-acting performance and precise calibration, thanks to its mounting directly to the stuff body structure. The four links include an upper camber link, two lower links and a trailing link. The suspension also features a hollow-section stabilizer bar.
• A family of 16 -, 17-, 18- and 19-inch five-spoke wheels and tires is matched with suspension tuning specific to each wheel size intended to optimize ride and handling.

Electrifying steering

Another element of Malibu’s greater feeling of control is the integration of a rack-mounted electric power steering technology on all Malibu models. It is a dual-pinion system – one for steering and the other to move the rack – that is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics. It also helps save fuel because engine power isn’t required to turn it, as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.

A premium ZF steering gear is used on the Malibu, which is known for torsional stiffness and lower operating friction, which is intended to enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs. That means there is almost no “lash” in the entire steering system, which should translate to a more immediate and connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Variable-effort steering is offered on the Malibu. It increases the level of power assistance during low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, and decreases at higher speeds. 

Confident chassis control systems

A suite of electronically controlled chassis systems are designed to enhance overall ride and handling qualities and help make for a safer journey. All are part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which also incorporates full-function traction control. This progressive system reacts indiscernibly for the driver and continually adjusts to accommodate the driving situation. In most driving situations, it enhances the feeling of control without the driver   knowing it.

When a situation arises that requires a higher level of electronic intervention – signaled by inputs detected by a yaw sensor mounted in the center of the vehicle – StabiliTrak will modulate the brakes at the individual wheels, reduce power or do both to help the Malibu’s driver remain in control. The system incorporates advanced braking features to assist in a variety of conditions, including:

• Cornering Brake Control is activated when the car is braking while cornering. Brake pressure is individually varied among all four wheels to keep the car stable.
• Panic Brake Assist helps the driver in emergency braking situations, giving the driver a higher deceleration gain than would be possible from the regular brake system booster.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist automatically increases braking pressure to compensate for brake fade under repeated applications of heavy braking.

The Malibu’s brake system consists of four-wheel discs, featuring 11.7-inch (296 mm) vented front discs and dual-piston front calipers. A four-channel antilock system is tied in with StabiliTrak to provide more control in wet and icy conditions.

Beyond the size and specifications of the Malibu’s brakes, they were tuned to provide a strong, confident feel and deliver braking performance that is expected to be among the best in the segment.

The new Malibu is available in LS, LT, ECO and LTZ models in North America. Malibu production in the United States begins in early 2012 with the ECO model. Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan., and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States. Pricing is scheduled to be announced later this year.

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

National survey finds majority of fathers active in driving kids to and from school

Editor’s Note: CLARIFIES description of safety recognition with substitute wording in 11^th paragraph

DETROIT – As children across America head back to school, a new survey commissioned by Chevrolet finds that many fathers in America are taking more of an active role in before-and after-school carpooling duties, with utility vehicles the preferred choice of dads over minivans.

An online survey conducted by Harris Interactive® showed that 80 percent of fathers in the United States with children age 17 or younger take an active role in daily family life, with more than 70 percent driving their kids to school, daycare or extracurricular activities.

But in the evolution of carpooling, the study also showed that both drivers and their vehicles have changed. While moms may prefer minivans for their sliding doors, more than half (58 percent) of the dads surveyed prefer to do their business, personal and leisure shuttling in a family hauler that doesn’t question their masculinity. In fact, survey results demonstrated that fathers gave their current family vehicle a 6.4 “cool” rating on a 10-point scale.

Utility vehicles – such as SUVs and crossovers –  were the most-preferred vehicles among fathers for accomplishing all their work week, weekend and family activities. Less than one quarter surveyed indicated that they prefer a minivan for these tasks.

“According to recent Census data, there are 154,000 stay-at-home dads and more than 25 million dads who have kids under 17. The trend is shifting and men are becoming more involved with family-driving duties. We’re seeing the rise of the ‘Dadmobile,’” said James Bell, head of General Motors Consumer Affairs.

“The minivan has long been seen as the quintessential family car, but its heyday might be over with crossovers and SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Tahoe or Equinox combining equal or better fuel economy, safety and convenience with a more rugged edge,” Bell said.

The study showed that fathers first and foremost want a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle. More than half of all dads chose safety as top vehicle feature, followed by fuel economy. Interesting to note that dads cited high fuel prices and traffic jams as the top two most stressful things about travel.

Vehicle versatility is also key as dads surveyed use their current vehicles for everything from holiday travel (94 percent) to work commutes (63 percent) to household do-it-yourself projects (54 percent). Accordingly, passenger capacity was important to nearly 40 percent of fathers, along with functionality, ample cargo space and comfort.

“The survey illustrates a growing trend that crossovers – like the Chevrolet Traverse – are more popular than minivans among dads in America,” said Mark Clawson, Traverse marketing manager. “The Traverse has gone a long way in redefining vehicular versatility and efficiency for the modern driver – even farther than the minivan did 30 years ago. The Traverse borrows the best across all segments, uniting the features the study showed as most important to fathers like me.”

The Traverse continues to be one of the more popular large crossovers thanks to its balance of efficiency, spaciousness and safety. It has the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger utility vehicle, due to its 3.6L V-6 engine with direct-injection technology and variable valve timing that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models). 

The Traverse also offers the most storage capacity of any vehicle in its segment. Spaciousness comes from seating for up to eight with up to 116.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. It is also recognized as a safe vehicle, receiving a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for safety in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traverse is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2011 Top Safety Pick

For 2012, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT trim levels: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The starting price is $30,240 including $810 destination but not including taxes and title.

Product highlights include:

Six standard air bags

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control

Four-wheel independent suspension system

Choice of 17-, 18- or 20-inch wheels

Second-row Smart Slide seat, for easy access to third-row seats

Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio including NavTraffic real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)

Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)

Towing capacity of 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).

·Traverse comes standard with a 100,000 mile/5-year(3) Transferable Powertrain Limited warranty, roadside assistance, and Courtesy Transportation Programs.

·Traverse comes standard with a 100,000 mile/5-year(3) Transferable Powertrain Limited warranty, roadside assistance, and Courtesy Transportation Programs.

About Chevrolet -- Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Survey Methodology – Harris Interactive® fielded the parent study on behalf of Chevrolet from August 4-10, 2011 via its Harris Poll ParentQuery^SM online omnibus service, interviewing a nationwide sample of 471 fathers of children age 17 years or younger; this research was part of an omnibus survey of 1,247 parents of children age 17 years or younger. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, household income, and age of children in the household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the U.S. parent population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to be invited to participate in the Harris Interactive online research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Harris Interactive -- Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for The Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients – stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

2012 Chevy Sonic with 1.4L Turbo Hits 40 MPG on Highway

DETROIT – The  2012 Chevrolet Sonic with the Ecotec 1.4L turbo  delivers an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with a six-speed manual transmission and city fuel economy of 29 mpg.

The Sonic’s highway fuel economy makes it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars in the market, on par with the 2012 Ford Fiesta SFE and the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Along with getting 40 mpg, the 1.4L turbo Sonic can reach 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.

“Sonic changes the sub-compact stereotype and puts an end to the term ‘econobox,’” said Joaquin Nuño-Whelan, Sonic vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer. “The 1.4L turbo saves money at the gas pump and is a ridiculously fun car to drive. So, our buyers are getting a safe, exciting and fuel efficient car at a great price with the 1.4L turbo.”

The Sonic is the only sub-compact car currently built in America.  Production began earlier this summer at General Motors Orion Assembly facility in Lake Orion, Mich.

The Sonic’s 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine is SAE certified at 138 horsepower (103 kW) – 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta and is essentially the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package designed for a greater feeling of performance.  The turbo engine is also rated at 148 ft.-lbs. (200 Nm) of torque between 2,500 and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.  Premium design elements give the engine smoothness and durability. Features include:

• Low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block
• Dual overhead camshafts with continuously variable valve timing
• Chain-driven cams
• Roller-finger camshaft followers
• Piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler
• Variable-flow oil pump
• Electronically controlled thermostat.

The 1.4L’s turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine’s pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band.

The Sonic’s 1.8L manual gets fuel economy of 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway and the automatic gets 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

“Our engineers wanted to bring a car with an athletic feel and an excellent ride and handling to a segment not known for excitement,” said Nuño-Whelan. “Combine these driving characteristics with the 40-mpg fuel economy rating and we think we have a winning combination for Sonic drivers.”

The suggested retail price of the Sonic begins at $14,495 including destination but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees.

 

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Chevy Volt Electrifies Summer Road Trips

by Chevrolet in the News

Many families hit the road for summertime vacations, traversing highways for hours on end until they reach their exciting destination. But with many road trips, the journey is often as interesting as the destination, as is the case for owners of the Chevrolet Volt.

One Volt owner, Andreas Paramonoff drove his wife, Brenda, and son Jared, traveled from Vancouver, British Columbia to San Diego for their summer vacation. Andreas charged the Volt 11 times on the 3,790-mile roundtrip, including at RV plug-in spots. He never had to stop when the battery was depleted because the Volt’s extended-range capability added hundreds of miles to every recharge.

With the arrival of advanced electric vehicles like the Volt, drivers are covering more miles without the need for constantly fill-ups. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the Volt in particular because it offers a unique alternative to a traditional EV — a gasoline-powered motor/generator which produces electricity to propel the vehicle when the battery is depleted

The Chevy Volt offers an EPA-estimated 93 miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode and 35 city and 40 highway miles per gallon in extended-range mode. On long trips, Volt owners are averaging incredible mileage that surpasses traditional gasoline-powered cars as well as hybrids. It’s truly ushering in a new era where road trips can be taken without consuming gas or emitting tailpipe emissions.

“The development of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles will take time, but the lack of a charging network today isn’t preventing Volt owners from wandering far from home.”  said Volt Marketing Director Cristi Landy. “Volt owners drove more than 6 million miles this summer, two-thirds of which were powered by electricity.”

The all-new 2012 Chevy Sonic has arrived at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton!

Come in and check it out today! 

 

Chevy Cruze Graduates To KBB.com Best For Back-To-School List

by Chevrolet in the News

Preparing for the start of the new school year can be a challenging time, especially when it also involves shopping for a new vehicle. As the experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com note, meeting the needs of parents and pupils alike requires a ride that is safe, affordable, reliable and fuel-efficient, but also good-looking, versatile and fun-to-drive—just like the Chevrolet Cruze, which was recently named to KBB.com’s “Top 10 Best Back-to-School Cars 2011.”

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

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

How’s that for an automaker earning extra credit?

 

Come in this week and take advantage of this great service special.

Like us on Facebook the click on the coupon tab, underneath our profile picture, to redeem your savings.

History with a Mystery: The Chevrolet Bowtie

DETROIT – Globally recognized today, the Chevrolet bowtie logo was introduced by company co-founder William C. Durant in late 1913. But how it came to be synonymous with the brand is open to wide interpretation.

Durant’s version of how the logo came into existence is well known. The long-accepted story, confirmed by Durant himself, was that it was inspired by the wallpaper design in a Parisian hotel.

According to The Chevrolet Story of 1961, an official company publication issued in celebration of Chevrolet's 50^th anniversary:

“It originated in Durant's imagination when, as a world traveler in 1908, he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on wallpaper in a French hotel. He tore off a piece of the wallpaper and kept it to show friends, with the thought that it would make a good nameplate for a car.”

However, conflicting accounts have emerged, each of which is plausible enough to deepen the mystery and suggest it may never be solved. Two of the alternate origins come from within the Durant family itself.

In 1929, Durant's daughter, Margery, published a book entitled, My Father. In it, she told how Durant sometimes doodled nameplate designs on pieces of paper at the dinner table. “I think it was between the soup and the fried chicken one night that he sketched out the design that is used on the Chevrolet car to this day,” she wrote. 

More than half a century later, another Bowtie origin was recounted in a 1986 issue of Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine based on a 13-year-old interview with Durant's widow, Catherine. She recalled how she and her husband were on holiday in Hot Springs, Va., in 1912. While reading a newspaper in their hotel room, Durant spotted a design and exclaimed,  “I think this would be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet.” Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Durant didn't clarify what the motif was or how it was used.

That nugget of information inspired Ken Kaufmann, historian and editor of The Chevrolet Review, to search out its validity. In a Nov. 12, 1911 edition of The Constitution newspaper, published in Atlanta, an advertisement appeared from by the Southern Compressed Coal Company for “Coalettes,” a refined fuel product for fires. The Coalettes logo, as published in the ad, had a slanted bowtie form, very similar to the shape that would soon become the Chevrolet icon. Did Durant and his wife see the same ad – or one similar – the following year a few states to the north? The date of the paper was just nine days after the incorporation of the Chevrolet Motor Co.

One other explanation attributes the design to a stylized version of the cross of the Swiss flag. Louis Chevrolet was born in Switzerland at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel, to French parents, on Christmas Day 1878.

Whichever origin is true, within a few years, the bowtie would emerge as the definitive Chevrolet logo. An October 2, 1913 edition of The Washington Post seems, so far, to be the earliest known example of the symbol being used to advertise the brand. “Look for this nameplate” the ad proclaims above the emblem. Customers the world over have been doing so ever since.

Many variations in coloring and detail of the Chevrolet bowtie have come and gone over the decades since its introduction in late 1913, but the essential shape has never changed. In 2004, Chevrolet began to phase in the gold bowtie that today serves as the brand identity for all of its cars and trucks marketed globally. The move reinforced the strength of what was already one of the most-recognized automotive emblems in the world. More than 4.25 million Chevrolets were sold in more than 120 countries and regions during 2010.

Come out, come out wherever you are.