Thursday, February 28, 2013

Chevrolet Donates 300 Vehicles to Train First Responders

DETROIT – Chevrolet is donating up to 300 cars, crossovers and SUVs rendered unsalable during Hurricane Sandy to help train first responders at Guardian Centers in Perry, Ga.
The water-damaged vehicles are expected to help provide a realistic environment to simulate real-world incidents and natural disasters for first responders to make accurate and quick responses to victims.
“When Hurricane Sandy hit the northeast in November we had a number of new vehicles at ports and on dealer lots that were flooded,” said Chris Perry, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “We could not sell them, so instead of crushing them, Chevrolet is using these vehicles to help train those who respond to just such disasters.”
As the exclusive automotive partner of Guardian Centers, Chevrolet is helping to create a transportation system that provides realistic scenarios in a metropolitan environment for first responders at all levels of government, the military and civilian organizations.
Designed as a purpose-built training solution for all phases of disaster preparedness, Guardian Centers offers a fully operational, modern cityscape simulator for first responders to test their plans, skill sets, equipment and leadership. With the ability to provide realistic immersions from small unit exercises up to 7,000 participants in multi-jurisdictional agencies, Guardian Centers brings the disciplines of Technical Rescue, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives together with leadership training and academics in one location.
“The vehicles we received from Chevrolet are an essential component of full immersion disaster response training in a metropolitan environment,” said Geoff Burkart, founder and CEO of Guardian Centers. “Chevrolet has given the millions of first responders throughout North America the ability to exercise in metropolitan scenarios that will look and feel just like their home cities.
“This level of realism and effectiveness cannot be overstated,” Burkart said. “You can’t expect first response professionals to conduct realistic training in a sterile environment. Every metropolitan area in the world must deal with vehicle traffic and first responders should be provided a training environment that helps condition them for what they will face on the job.”
The vehicles will be used in conjunction with role players for wide area searches, traffic congestion in emergency situations, counter terrorism, public order and mass casualty exercises.
Also in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Chevrolet donated 24 full-size Express passenger and cargo vans to Habitat for Humanity for use in its restoration efforts in the hardest-hit areas of the super storm.
About the Guardian Center
The Guardian Centers are a unique private-sector solution to an emerging and rapidly growing national problem—the lack of appropriate facilities to conduct meaningful, realistic, effective and large scale emergency response exercises. As a private sector entity, Guardian Centers has the capability to meet any and all client needs and more. It will offer the most realistic training ground to prepare the nation’s first responders for man-made and natural disasters. For more information, visit http://www.guardiancenters.com.
About Chevrolet
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 4.5 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.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Chevrolet SS Wins in its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Debut

DAYTONA, Fla. Five-time series champion Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS, won the 55th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday. It also marked the first victory for the recently introduced Chevrolet SS, which made its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut.
“I’m very happy to win the first Gen-6 race in the Gen-6 car for Chevrolet in their SS,” said Johnson, who led 16 laps and took the lead for good shortly after the final restart. “Awesome day.”
Johnson, who also won Daytona 500 in 2006, now has 61 victories in 400 career starts.
“Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson, (crew chief) Chad Knaus and (team owner) Rick Hendrick on their victory in The Great American Race,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “And for the Chevrolet SS to win its first points race is incredible. This is a culmination of a tremendous effort by our engineers, owners, drivers, crew chiefs and teams who worked together to develop the Chevrolet SS race car. So much hard work went into preparing the Chevrolet SS for competition in the Sprint Cup series. We waited a long time for this race, and the performance of the No. 48 team made that wait worthwhile.”
Johnson finished 0.129 seconds ahead of teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet SS). It’s the third time in the last four years that Earnhardt Jr. has been the Daytona 500 runner-up. Ryan Newman (fifth, No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet SS), Regan Smith (seventh, No. 51 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet) and pole-sitter Danica Patrick (eighth, No. 10 GoDaddy Chevrolet SS) also finished in the top 10 for Team Chevy.
It was the seventh Daytona 500 victory for Hendrick.
Chevrolet now has 22 Daytona 500 victories, more than any other manufacturer. A Team Chevy driver has won seven of the last 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series openers at the 2.5-mile track.
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 4.5 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.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Chevrolet Camaro and Tahoe Rank Highest in Dependability Study

DETROIT – J.D. Power and Associates ranked the Chevrolet Camaro the industry’s most dependable midsize sporty car and the Chevrolet Tahoe as the most dependable large crossover/SUV in its 2013 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The J.D. Power and Associates study tracked reliability during the third year of the ownership on 2010 model year vehicles. The fifth-generation Camaro took the highest ranking in its segment during its first year on the market.

“Receiving such a prestigious dependability award the first year Camaro was introduced demonstrates our commitment to provide customers with the best possible ownership experience,” said Alicia Boler-Davis, vice president General Motors Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience. “Together with Tahoe leading its segment, this is another example of our focus on creating life-long customers.”

Introduced in late 2009 as 2010 model, the fifth-generation Camaro has outsold its closest competitor for the past three years. Camaro is also helping to bring new buyers to Chevrolet – four in 10 Camaro retail buyers traded in a non-GM car at the time of purchase.

“We believe the Camaro is a great example of how we want to do business at Chevrolet by delivering incredible design, impressive performance, and class-leading ownership experiences,” said Chris Perry, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “That approach has made Camaro a success here in the United States, and it has helped Chevrolet become the fastest-growing global automotive brand in the world.”

The Chevrolet Tahoe is the bestselling full-size SUV, with space for the kids and dogs and the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds. Tahoe's capability has helped make it a favorite of active families.
In 2012, Chevrolet sold more than 4.95 million cars worldwide, setting a global sales record for the brand.

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 4.5 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.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lock It Up: 2014 Chevrolet Impala Offers Secure Info Storage

DETROIT – Anyone who has ever felt trepidation about handing their car keys to a valet will appreciate the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The redesigned flagship sedan offers a “valet mode” that lets someone unknown take the wheel but shields personal items and information from prying eyes.
The new Impala’s available 8-inch center stack display is an interactive touch screen for the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink system but doubles as a PIN-activated retractable faceplate over a secure storage bin large enough to hold valuables like a wallet, MP3 player and smartphone. Addresses and contacts stored on MyLink also remain PIN-protected.
“Valet mode is the kind of feature that Impala customers will appreciate,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of Global Marketing. “It is one of many great new features on our newest MyLink and a small part of Impala’s overall technology package.”
Impala owners will be able to access valet mode through MyLink’s Settings menu via a four-digit code, much like on a hotel safe. A confirmation entry of the code simultaneously locks the bin and secures personal information.
Chevrolet customer clinic participants showed avid interest in valet mode, particularly young car buyers who valued MyLink’s information privacy protection feature. Impala’s hidden bin also addresses customers’ frequently expressed need for a secure place to keep personal items out of sight.
“We were able to move the MyLink system’s electronics to another location in the vehicle, effectively creating the space behind the touch screen,” said Matt Highstrom, General Motors human-machine interface designer.
In addition to privacy protection, Impala’s next-generation MyLink system allows for increased personalization. Owners can click and drag icons on the home screen located in the center stack, similar to operating a smartphone or tablet.
Using consumer research, including interviews and online voting, designers of the award-winning MyLink developed four specific graphic appearances or “skins,” selectable through the Settings menu, designed to appeal to distinct customer group personalities. They include:
  • Contemporary – Clean, simple interface that’s neither overly colorful nor busy, geared to busy moms and families.
  • Edge – Youth-oriented, dynamic feel with vibrant colors and pop culture-inspired icons.
  • Velocity – Sleek, with carbon fiber background appearance and glowing neon, aimed at driving enthusiasts.
  • Main Street – An all-around, crowd-pleasing design using primary colors.
These and other functions, including valet mode, will be rolled out to other Chevrolet models featuring the next-generation MyLink system.
“We can’t design a custom Impala interior for every customer, but we can give them the next best thing – an infotainment system that reflects their tastes and features that meet their needs,” said Matt Fuligni, design manager, Chevrolet User Experience.
The 2014 Impala will begin production this spring and eventually will be offered with three engine choices. A 3.6L V6 will be available at launch, starting at $30,760 including destination charges.
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 4.5 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.

Monday, February 18, 2013

2014 Chevrolet SS: Performance Sedan with Racing DNA

DAYTONA, Fla. – As Chevrolet’s first V-8, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan since 1996, the new Chevrolet SS is designed to deliver performance on the street and on the track. The 2014 Chevrolet SS will debut this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway as the SS racecar makes its NASCAR debut during the Daytona 500.
“The Chevrolet brand was largely built on the strength of rear-drive performance sedans, yet it's been 17 years since we've offered one,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America. “The all-new Chevrolet SS fills that void and fills it better than any other vehicle in the brand’s rich history. The comfort, convenience, spaciousness and V-8 power make the SS a total performance package unlike any other on the road today.”
The Chevrolet SS benefits from the proven, race-tested, global rear-wheel drive architecture that is the foundation for the Camaro, Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle and Holden’s VF Commodore.
The Chevrolet SS is powered by the LS3 Chevrolet V-8, expected to deliver 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Also used in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, the LS3 displaces 6.2 liters, more than the 5.5-liter V-8 powering the Chevrolet SS NASCAR competitors.
The LS3 is married to a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted manually using TAPshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. With an aggressive 3.27 final-drive ratio, the Chevrolet SS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds – making it one of the quickest sedans on the market.
To ensure that it turns and stops as well as it accelerates; the Chevrolet SS also features a sport-tuned chassis, including:
  • MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension geometry
  • Electronic power steering system, optimized for sport driving
  • Standard Brembo brakes, with ventilated, 355-mm rotors and two-piece, four-piston front calipers
  • Forged aluminum wheels, wrapped in ultra-high-performance Bridgestone tires: 19 x 8.5 inch wheels with 245/40ZR19 tires in front; 19 x 9.0 inch wheels with 275/35ZR19 tires rear
Handling is also improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, and a low center of gravity – made possible in part by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid that are 30 percent lighter than traditional steel panels.
“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs. “The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.”
Similarly, the design of the SS blends performance cues and premium details.
“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet passenger cars and small crossovers. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V-8 performance package.”
The staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the power of the engine underneath. At the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape contributes to improved aerodynamic performance. Premium cues include jewel-like chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights.
The spacious interior of the SS will comfortably accommodate five adults, with 42 inches of front legroom, and 39 inches of rear legroom. Leather seating surfaces are standard, as are eight-way power adjustable front bucket seats with additional side bolstering that hug the driver and front passenger in tight-handling situations. The SS emblem is prominently stitched onto the soft-touch instrument panel which features two types of chrome finishes – a satin gloss and a bright chrome. At night, the interior is illuminated by ice blue ambient lighting.
An integrated center stack includes infotainment, climate and other vehicle controls. The Chevrolet SS also offers a long list of technology features as standard equipment including:
  • Color, in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system
  • Bose® Nine-speaker premium sound system
  • Color heads-up display
  • Push-button start
  • StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Side Blind Zone Alert
  • Rear-vision camera Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The SS is also the first Chevrolet to offer Automatic Parking Assist, which provides hands-free parking help. This efficient ‘hands-free’ parking assistant uses the ultrasonic sensing system to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces. While the driver controls the throttle, transmission, and brake, the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to neatly park the Chevrolet SS.
The 2014 Chevrolet SS will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, with prices set closer to the on-sale date. When it arrives in showrooms, the SS will join the Corvette and Camaro, whose combined sales have made Chevrolet America’s favorite performance brand for the last two years.
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 4.5 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.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

United Players Get Keys to their New Chevrolets

MANCHESTER, England – It was a day of anticipation and excitement at the Manchester United training ground as players and staff received the keys to their new Chevrolets as part of the sponsorship deal with the club.
The choices made were characterized by the needs and lifestyles of the players, with the Chevrolet Captiva proving to be among the most popular.
“Our Chevrolet portfolio has given the Manchester staff and players a wide choice to suit their lifestyle, be it a Captiva, the extended range electric Volt or the iconic Camaro and Corvette,” said Alan Batey, General Motors vice president, Sales, Service and Global Marketing. “It is great to see that Manchester United is now in the driving seat, both in terms of the league and our cars.”
In addition to taking delivery of their cars, some players also received special driving and safety tips from Corvette Racing driver Oliver Gavin, an experience that added further excitement to the vehicle hand-over.
Robin Van Persie, who opted for the Captiva, said: "I have two children, so this car is really good for me – it's a family car. It looks very nice, it’s a good car.” The 29-year-old is a recent arrival to Manchester United, but has already made a huge impact and is the Premier League current top scorer with 18 goals to his name.
Fellow Dutchman Alexander Buttner also chose the Captiva. “It’s a really nice car, it’s big, I have a lot of family over from Holland so it’s nice to have a lot of space when we go somewhere.” he remarked.
Keeper Sam Johnstone and Nick Powell went electric with the Volt. Midfielder Powell said: “It feels different, it’s a lot quieter… It feels futuristic, especially with regards to saving energy.”
The 400-hp plus Chevrolet Camaro and top of the line Chevrolet Corvette were the preferred choice for talismanic forward Wayne Rooney, defender Patrice Evra, midfielder Michael Carrick and Mexican goal scorer Javier Hernandez.
Wayne Rooney was pleased with his Camaro Convertible: “It’s great, it obviously looks great and I’m excited to drive it. I think when I saw them all together this was the one that suited me best, it looks nice and will drive well too. I chose a manual as I think it’s great to get full use from a sports car.”
Patrice Evra opted for the Camaro Coupe: “I like the shape of the car, it’s fantastic. I just had my first drive and I was really surprised, it drives well and you can feel it’s really powerful, I’m very happy.”
Michael Carrick was pleased to get back behind the wheel of a sports car with his Corvette GS: “I used to have a Dodge Viper but haven’t had a sports car for a while so this is a great opportunity for me. When I got the chance to have this Corvette I snapped their hand off!”
Javier Hernandez’ choice of Corvette as his chosen model was down to size: “I looked at the Camaro and the Corvette, but this is not too big, like me, we are quite similar!” he said, “It’s a very good car and I am very happy Chevrolet offered this to me.”
The handover of the cars to the Manchester United players and staff can be seen here.
Chevrolet became the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester United as part of a sponsorship agreement signed in 2012. The Chevrolet logo will feature on the Reds’ shirts as of the 2014/5 season.
About Chevrolet
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 4.5 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, www.chevroleteurope.com or media.chevroleteurope.com.
About Manchester United
Manchester United is the world's most popular football club, with an estimated 659 million followers and was recently named by Forbes magazine as the most valuable sports club in the world. Founded in 1878, the Club has won a record 19th English league championships to add to its record 11 English FA Cups, 3 European Cups, 1 European Cup Winners' Cup, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup and 4 English League Cups. Its manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is the most successful manager in British history.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Chevrolet’s Small Cars Gain Traction, Sales in All Weather

DETROIT With increasing numbers of Chevrolet’s small cars on the road as the weather turns for the worse, owners can drive confidently in conditions from tropical storms in Florida to the icy streets of Minnesota.
Stereotypes abound: smaller vehicles can’t handle bad weather safely and smoothly. Chevrolet is disproving these beliefs by testing Cruze, Sonic and Spark in conditions beyond snow and ice, enabling class-competitive safety, and equipping the line-up with more advanced technologies than ever before.
“We’ve seen an 11 percent sales increase of Chevrolet small cars since last year,” said Jim Federico, executive chief engineer, General Motors Small Cars. “These small cars are designed for consumers, climates and terrains around the country. Coupled with a number of advanced technologies, people can rest assured that our smallest cars will perform well when any inclement weather rolls in.”
Both Cruze and Sonic have earned 5-star overall safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Sonic is the only car in its segment to achieve this – and Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Chevrolet small cars can help keep drivers safe and on the road due in part to safety technologies found in larger vehicles and SUVs, such as standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
The Cruze, Sonic and Spark raise the bar for small car safety. With six months of standard OnStar on these vehicles, specially trained emergency advisors can send the vehicle’s precise GPS location to emergency responders.
The Chevy small car trio also undergoes a variety of durability tests.
In addition to live road testing, Chevrolet also simulates the unpredictable in a variety of tests at GM’s Milford Proving Ground. Winter-mimicking tests like the Salt Mist Facility, Salt Splash Road, and Corrosion Booth repeatedly expose vehicles’ exteriors and underbodies to salt, water and dirt. .
“Our small cars are safer and more capable year round than ever and still offer versatility for winter fun with leading cargo capacity to fit anything from your snowshoes to shopping bags,” said Federico.
Chevrolet’s mini, small and compact car sales followed a successful 2012 by surpassing 25,000 units in January and were up 18 percent as a group.
To learn more about Chevrolet’s small car offerings, visit the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic/Spark Facebook pages, and follow on Twitter at @ChevyLife.
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 4.5 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.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

  • Turbocharging helps deliver segment-leading 148 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with estimated 42 mpg highway
  • $25,695 MSRP includes destination and two-year maintenance plan
  • CHICAGO – Chevrolet is entering the U.S. and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of its hottest-selling sedan, the Cruze, featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.
    Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.
    Built in Lordstown, Ohio, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers a combination of segment-leading features and efficiency. Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway with spirited performance and the durability diesel owners value around the globe.
    “Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it’s driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country in a clean turbo diesel,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.
    The compact sedan’s new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft torque (350 Nm) with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the U.S. market.
    Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
    “Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Perry. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”
    With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.
    Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
    “Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”
    GM has sold nearly 2 million Chevrolet Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010. GM produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.
    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 4.5 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.

    Wednesday, February 6, 2013

    Young Buyers Go for Chevrolet Spark Price and Color

    DETROIT – Early buyer data for the Chevrolet Spark shows that 29 percent of buyers are under 35, more than half are coming from non-General Motors’ brands, and price is a big selling point.
    According to Chevy Spark early buyer data, Spark owners are:
    • The next-generation customer – Spark is “igniting” the interest of some of Chevrolet’s youngest buyers, with 29 percent of customers under 35.
    • New to Chevy – Nearly 54 percent of Spark purchases are conquest sales – buyers who are new to the brand. More than one in five buyers is coming from an import car brand.
    • Majority female – Fifty-one percent of Sparks are purchased by women, more than any other Chevrolet vehicle.
    • Sizzling with Salsa – Twenty-three percent of Spark owners are choosing Salsa Red, making it the Spark’s most popular exterior color. Jalapeno Green and Denim Blue are the second- and third-most popular Spark colors.
    • Seeking a value and fuel economy – Early Spark owners indicate their most important reasons for purchasing a Spark were fuel economy and price to value.
    Chevrolet dealers have sold more than 12,000 Sparks since it went on sale in the summer of 2012. Originally launched in 18 markets, the Spark will be available in all 50 states in 2013.
    The 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a four-passenger, five-door hatchback, was designed to challenge what’s possible in the mini car segment. Spark is the only car in its segment to provide MyLink Radio – a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for hands-free calling.
    The Spark has the lowest starting MSRP in the mini care segment, and offers competitive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg highway.
    Though small on the outside, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars, with 225 percent more cargo room than a Scion iQ and 20 percent more than a Fiat 500.
    Launched in Korea in 2009 and now available in almost every country in the world, the Spark came to the U.S. market is in response to the growing popularity of mini cars among U.S. consumers.
    Expanding the Spark lineup, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives and will be available in California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea and other global markets.
    For more information on the 2013 Chevy Spark, visit www.chevrolet.com/Spark
    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 4.5 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.

    Tuesday, February 5, 2013

    Super Bowl XLVII MVP Takes Home Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

    NEW ORLEANS – The honor of awarding the Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award was given to Rick Flick of New Orleans’ Banner Chevrolet, who knows a thing or two about comebacks. Banner Chevrolet, a part of Flick’s family for 40 years, was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina and was the first business to reopen in New Orleans East after the devastating 2005 storm. On behalf of Chevrolet, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award, Flick presented quarterback Joe Flacco with a 2014 Corvette Stingray on Monday in recognition of his effort in leading the Baltimore Ravens’ to a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
    “Banner Chevrolet and the entire city of New Orleans have been through so much since the storm, we felt this was a small gesture to bring the comeback story full circle,” said Alan Batey, GM vice president of U.S. Sales, Service and Marketing. “With the Super Bowl in his backyard, we couldn’t think of a better guy to have the honor of awarding the MVP with his Corvette Stingray.”
    Banner Chevrolet was of the largest losses ever recorded for a dealership in the United States and recently completed a massive multimillion-dollar renovation with state-of-the-art technology. Banner is the only Chevrolet dealer in Orleans Parrish.
    “We lost our entire inventory of 650 new Chevrolets and 120 pre-owned vehicles during Katrina,” Flick said. “I’m happy we are still a vital part of this community today and I can be here to represent the people of Chevrolet and its dealerships as we celebrate the Super Bowl MVP.”
    The Super Bowl MVP receives the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a silver trophy made by Tiffany & Co., and the Corvette Stingray.
    The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.
    About Chevrolet
    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 4.5 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.
    About Banner Chevrolet
    Banner Chevrolet has been operating in New Orleans since 1972. The company has provided a stable work environment for its employees, many of whom have been with the company for more than 35 years. Banner is also involved throughout the New Orleans community on many levels, including work with Boys Hope Girls Hope, Second Harvest Food Bank, Friends of Lakeview, Lakeview Civic Improvement Association, Bayou District Foundation, Youth Service Bureau, Feeding the Needy, The Good Shepherd School, Walk the Beat and numerous schools and other charitable organizations.

    Monday, February 4, 2013

    GM Pledges to Promote Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging

    WASHINGTON – General Motors, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, is joining 12 other companies as founding Partners of the DOE’s Workplace Charging Challenge. The goal is to increase the number of employers with workplace charging tenfold within five years.

    Successfully meeting the challenge will help strengthen the nation’s expanding electric-vehicle infrastructure and increase consumer exposure to plug-in electric vehicles.

    “Since the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt, we have made a commitment to lead by example on workplace charging and to engage in encouraging other companies to help provide the infrastructure supporting the electric vehicle market,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president, Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs. “With 239 workplace charging spots for the use of GM employees to charge their personal plug-in vehicles, we are primed to meet this challenge.”

    The DOE will provide technical assistance and establish a network where Partners and Ambassadors can share best practices.

    These companies are part of the pledge to promote workplace charging stations: