Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Chevrolet Archives

August 13, 2008

Corvette kicks off GM's Woodward Dream Cruise activities

There's no better place for Chevy's performance icon to make an appearance than right in its own backyard on Woodward Avenue as General Motors kicks off its Woodward Dream Cruise activities with a special appearance of the latest model of the all American icon--the 2009 Corvette ZR1--at a private function for media on Thursday, August 14, at 3:45 pm at Athens Coney Island.

Continue reading "Corvette kicks off GM's Woodward Dream Cruise activities"

August 12, 2008

GM Offers More Fuel-efficient Pickup Trucks, SUVs

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. is releasing new, more fuel-efficient versions of its full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles later this fall. The XFE -- or extra fuel economy -- versions of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks and Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs will get one mile per gallon more in both city and highway fuel economy than non-XFE versions.

The boost will give them a total of 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 on the highway. The XFE pickups and SUVs will be available in the fourth quarter of this year.

August 10, 2008

Chevrolet Launches New Advertising During Olympics

DETROIT - Chevrolet kicks off new advertising during Friday's Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games. The ads highlight Malibu and the rest of Chevy's fuel-efficient lineup, Silverado as America's Best Truck and the all-new Traverse as the crossover with an unmatched combination of features.

They will play a prominent role in the brand's marketing initiatives for the remainder of 2008 and will be complemented online, with micro Web sites and other digital initiatives.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Launches New Advertising During Olympics"

Chrysler Mexico Sets a New Sales Record in July

Mexico City -- Chrysler Mexico and its Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands established a new monthly sales record in July, with 9,859 units sold, an increase of one percent compared to same month in 2007.

It was the best July sales ever in Mexico and the best accumulated year-to-date sales since 2001. During the January-through-July time period, sales reached 69,973 units, 2.7 percent more than the same period in 2007.

Continue reading "Chrysler Mexico Sets a New Sales Record in July"

August 6, 2008

Video: Taking a lap in the Cobalt SS

Join John Heinricy, an executive in GM's Performance Division, as he takes you for a ride in the new Chevy Cobalt SS!

GM Certified Used Vehicles to List Entire Inventory Onine

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, announced it has reached an agreement to list the entire national inventory of GM Certified Used Vehicles and Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles on EveryCarListed.com, a new consumer automotive listings site.

The EveryCarListed.com relationship provides shoppers a new online resource that makes it easy for them to research and find GM Certified Used Vehicles.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles to List Entire Inventory Onine"

August 2, 2008

GM Reports July Sales Down 26.7%

DETROIT - GM today announced July sales results, highlighted by continued strong performance in small and midsize cars and crossovers. GM dealers in the United States delivered 235,184 vehicles in July, down 26.7 percent.

Weak industry conditions caused by a challenging U.S. economic environment, higher fuel prices and inventory shortages in critical segments such as compact cars contributed to the overall sales decline for the month.

Continue reading "GM Reports July Sales Down 26.7%"

August 1, 2008

General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Vehicles

More than fifty years ago, General Motors' traveling Motorama showcased dramatic concept "Dream Cars" as interpretations of future automobile design.

From 1949 through 1960, expressive vehicles including the Cadillac Lemans and Firebird I traveled the United States as a statement of General Motors design leadership.

Continue reading "General Motors to Showcase Historic Motorama Vehicles"

July 25, 2008

GM Celebrates J.D. Power Recognition at Fairfax Assembly Plant

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The General Motors Fairfax Assembly team today celebrated their successful performance in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality StudyTM (IQS). The facility manufactures the Chevrolet Malibu and the Saturn Aura midsize sedans.

The all-new, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu earned a segment award in the very competitive Midsize Car Segment by achieving exceptionally high levels of quality. Additionally, the Fairfax Assembly facility was awarded the Bronze Plant Quality Award, for the least manufacturing defects and malfunctions, ranking the facility third out of 67 assembly facilities located in North and South America.

Continue reading "GM Celebrates J.D. Power Recognition at Fairfax Assembly Plant"

GM to Broaden Employee Discounts

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp., hoping to boost demand amid a drastic downturn in the U.S. auto industry, will offer employee discounts to nonemployees on a limited basis.

GM Sales Chief Mark LaNeve rolled out the plan in an email to employees late Thursday. Employees can give one employee discount away between now and the end of July, a GM spokeswoman said.

"All active GM employees in the U.S. have the opportunity to provide one employee discount to anyone you know who is considering the purchase of a new vehicle," Mr. LaNeve said in the email.

GM's New Interactive Site Goes "Undercover" to Educate Consumers

DETROIT - What would happen if you turned more than 20 undercover film and surveillance professionals with eight cameras loose to show the potential drawbacks of buying a used vehicle that is not manufacturer certified?

That's what GM's Certified Used Vehicles team did and the results were not at all surprising.

Continue reading "GM's New Interactive Site Goes "Undercover" to Educate Consumers"

OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly

DETROIT - OnStar reminds its subscribers in Southeast Texas that a simple push of the OnStar button in GM vehicles will put them in contact with specially-trained Crisis Advisors.

OnStar's Crisis Assist capabilities include specially trained Crisis Advisors, who will help with:

Continue reading "OnStar Opens "Crisis Assist" Emergency Services to Those Affected by Dolly"

John Middlebrook to Pace Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Corvette Z06

INDIANAPOLIS - In 1997, when John Middlebrook served as Chevrolet's general manager, he said: "Corvette is now, and will continue to remain Chevrolet's flagship.

It is our technological and image showcase. Even more importantly, Corvette stands as the most singularly dramatic example of what we mean by 'Genuine Chevrolet.' Corvette is much more than just a car. It's a love affair. Words alone fail to convey the passion it inspires."

Continue reading "John Middlebrook to Pace Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Corvette Z06"

U.S. Postal Service Receives Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle from General Motors

Irvine, Calif. -- General Motors Corp. and the U.S. Postal Service are joining forces again to deliver mail using hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.

The two organizations announced today that the U.S. Postal Service becomes the latest entry into Chevrolet's Project Driveway, the world's first and largest market test of fuel cell vehicles to date.

Continue reading "U.S. Postal Service Receives Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle from General Motors"

July 23, 2008

GM Announces Second Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.28 Million Vehicles

DETROIT - Record-setting sales performance in GM's Latin America, Africa and Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe regions during the second quarter of 2008 helped General Motors sell more than 2.28 million vehicles globally during the second quarter 2008.

GM sales outside of its North America region grew 10 percent (up 116,000 vehicles). Compared to second quarter 2007, GM's total sales were down 5 percent, reflecting continuing economic pressures and labor disruptions in the U.S. market, which pushed North America sales down 20 percent (236,000 vehicles).

Continue reading "GM Announces Second Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.28 Million Vehicles"

July 22, 2008

The Rebirth of Camaro

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

Well, it's finally here.

It feels like we've been talking about the Camaro for a long time, but it's just been a couple of years since the concept car's unveiling at the Detroit auto show, and now the production car is officially in the public eye, as of yesterday, July 21, 2008.

As promised, this is a Camaro for the new millennium, with subtle design nods to its rich heritage, and, I have to say, this is the best Camaro ever, in my opinion.

Continue reading "The Rebirth of Camaro"

Chevrolet Unveils The 2010 Camaro

DETROIT -Chevrolet introduced the production 2010 Camaro today. It is a heritage-inspired sports car for the 21 st century, combining great looks and performance; advanced technology and surprising efficiency - including 26-mpg estimated highway fuel economy. Sales begin in the first quarter of 2009.

Built on GM's new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations include fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.

Continue reading " Chevrolet Unveils The 2010 Camaro"

General Motors Partners to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles

San Jose, CALIF - General Motors announced today that it will collaborate with the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) - more than 30 of the top electric utilities in the United States and Canada -- to accelerate the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles.

General Motors will work with EPRI and the utility companies on everything from codes and standards to grid capability to ensure that when the Volt goes to market, the infrastructure is ready - and customers can realize the full potential of these revolutionary vehicles as soon as they leave the showroom.

Continue reading "General Motors Partners to Commercialize Plug-in Vehicles"

July 21, 2008

GM Webcast to unveil 2010 Camaro

Today, Monday July 21, 2008 at 4 pm EDT Chevrolet will unveil the production version of the 2010 Camaro in a live webcast hosted by Ed Peper of Chevrolet and Ed Welburn of GM Design.

To watch the live Camaro reveal go to http://camaro.gmnext.com and click on the "Camaro webcast" link.

Chevrolet Kicks Off World Series Ticket Promotion

CHICAGO -- Chevrolet has launched the Chevy World Series Ticket Promotion on OnSite Network screens that are most watched by Cubs and White Sox fans. The campaign launched on July 18 and will run through the end of August.

To play, customers can visit any of the 18 leading independent sports bars that are participating in the promotion. OnSite screens in these locations will feature ads encouraging consumers to text in with information including the bar where they are watching the ad.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Kicks Off World Series Ticket Promotion"

July 18, 2008

General Motors Forging Ahead

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

As you've no doubt heard me say before, we've made a lot of progress in the past few years at General Motors. And we've delivered on what we said we would do. We've tackled the legacy costs. We've improved our quality. We went from having, at least in North America, some mediocre products to having acclaimed products that are selling extremely well, especially on the passenger car side. In June, for example, in a slow market, our retail car sales were up 8 percent.

We continue to reinvigorate our product portfolio. We're pursuing advanced propulsion technologies that will greatly reduce dependence on petroleum. And, we're reacting to the swiftly changing market conditions here in the U.S.

Continue reading "General Motors Forging Ahead"

July 14, 2008

GM Achieves Sales Record in Latin America, Africa and Middle East

Miramar, FL - General Motors Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GM LAAM) region broke another record in Q2 2008 selling 346,100 vehicles, up 52,100 units over the same period in 2007.

GM's volume increase of nearly 18 percent for the quarter again exceeded the industry growth rate of 13 percent. In addition, GM's market share in the region climbed to 17.5 percent for the quarter, up .7 share points year-over-year.

Continue reading "GM Achieves Sales Record in Latin America, Africa and Middle East"

July 12, 2008

GM's new small car to be built in Ohio

The first Chevrolet built on a new global platform will be called the Cruze and get 45 miles per gallon, General Motors Corp. said Wednesday.

The compact car, which replaces the Chevy Cobalt, will be built around the world including at GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant.

"This is one of the first global vehicles GM has talked about and it will be a Chevrolet Cruze no matter where it's sold," said Nancy Libby, a Chevrolet spokeswoman.

Chevrolet developed the name as a derivative of "cruise," Libby said, noting, that "it's something we think will work globally."

July 10, 2008

GM posts record sales of 1.16 million vehicles in Europe

Zurich -- In the first half of 2008, General Motors (GM) sales in Europe reached a record of 1,160,935 vehicles, an increase of 31,613 units (or 2.8 percent) compared to the same period of 2007. The company market share was 9.5 percent.

"GM is successfully managing to keep its sales momentum in Europe, thanks to an aggressive strategy for growth in Eastern and Central Europe. Despite the headwinds in some of the major western markets, I'm proud to say that our multi-brand strategy is paying off and thanks to a great teamwork we are quickly managing to leverage growth in the key new markets of Europe," said Carl-Peter Forster, GM Europe President.

Continue reading "GM posts record sales of 1.16 million vehicles in Europe"

July 9, 2008

Cruze: Chevy names new global compact

Detroit - Chevrolet announced today that its all-new entry in the compact segment will be called Cruze. The new Chevrolet will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team and will be built in multiple locations around the world.

Continue reading "Cruze: Chevy names new global compact"

July 7, 2008

GM Weighs More Layoffs, Sale of Brands

DETROIT -- Bruised by a deep sales slump and a half-century-low in its stock price, General Motors Corp. is preparing to cut thousands more white-collar jobs and is considering whether it should sell or shutter more of its brands, people familiar with the matter said.

Both moves are part of a broader re-evaluation of GM's strategy and of its ability to meet an internal projection of returning to profitability in 2010, these people said. The job cuts are likely to be approved when GM's board of directors meets in early August, these people said.

The company has already decided to put its Hummer division up for sale. Discussions among top executives about the number of brands have intensified in recent weeks, and signal a potential major shift in thinking by the company -- especially by Chief Executive Rick Wagoner. As top executives review future cars and trucks earmarked for various brands, "nothing is off the table," several people said. All but Cadillac and Chevrolet, which GM considers core to its business, are undergoing close scrutiny, other people said.

July 3, 2008

GM May Sell New Mini-Cars to U.S. Buyers

General Motors Corp., the automaker that popularized the Hummer, may sell a mini-car four feet (1.2 meters) shorter than its biggest offering and more than a foot shorter than anything else it markets in the U.S. to win back buyers scared off by high fuel prices.

GM may bring the production version of the Chevrolet Beat to the U.S., people familiar with the plan said. The car, which would normally be reserved for markets such as Asia and Latin America, gets as much as 40 miles a gallon, a fuel efficiency topped in the U.S. only by hybrids.

The possible American introduction of the Beat would be one step in a fleet downsizing and shift away from fossil fuel-based vehicles that the people said is already under way at Detroit- based GM.

July 2, 2008

GM Extends Zero Percent Financing Deals

DETROIT -- General Motors notified its dealers this morning that it will be extending its 0 percent financing sale through Monday, July 7.

The sale conditions remain the same -- 0 percent financing for 72 months on most GM vehicles. The so-called 72-hour sale ran from June 24 through June 30.

July 1, 2008

GM Reports June Sales Down 18.5%

DETROIT - GM today announced June sales results, highlighted by an 8 percent rise in retail car sales and continued strong performance in crossovers.

Despite the significant decline of industry market volume and the limited availability of some of GM's most popular models, GM dealers in the United States delivered 265,937 vehicles in June, down 8 percent (18.5 percent unadjusted). Truck sales declined 6 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports June Sales Down 18.5%"

GM Offers Low APR on Certified Used Vehicles

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today announced a nationwide GMAC rate incentive program on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including Chevrolet Impala and Malibu models.

The new rate incentive offer, effective July 1, 2008, through September 30, 2008, provides well-qualified GM Certified Used Vehicles buyers with 2.9% APR financing for terms up to 48 months, or 3.9% APR financing for terms up to 60 months from GMAC Financial Services on 2003-2008 models of Chevrolet Impala and Malibu** vehicles purchased from participating GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers.

Continue reading "GM Offers Low APR on Certified Used Vehicles"

June 30, 2008

GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival

DETROIT - The adventure continues as GMnext Plug In marks the halfway point of its global tour of music festivals, with Tenacious D's Kyle Gass interviewing bands backstage at the Rothbury Festival, July 3 - 6.

Following his recent appearances at the Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus , Ohio, Southside Festival in Germany and Pinkpop in the Netherlands, Kyle will once again be the face of GMnext Plug In at Rothbury.

Continue reading "GMnext Takes Music Fans Backstage At Rothbury Festival"

June 27, 2008

Chevrolet Announces Pricing For The 2009 Traverse

DETROIT - Chevrolet announced the 2009 Traverse crossover will carry a MSRP of $28,990, including a $735 destination charge, for the 2WD LS model. It goes on sale this fall.

"With its great styling, leading fuel economy and comprehensive roster of equipment, the Traverse is a great expression of Chevrolet value," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Announces Pricing For The 2009 Traverse"

Shell and General Motors Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA - The first public hydrogen refueling station in California with integrated hydrogen and gasoline refueling is now open, providing drivers in Chevrolet's Project Driveway another location to refuel their Equinox fuel cell vehicles, currently on the roads throughout Southern California.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and Graeme Sweeney, Executive Vice President for Shell Future Fuels and CO2 were among those who participated in today's dedication ceremony.

Continue reading "Shell and General Motors Open Hydrogen Fueling Station in Los Angeles"

June 25, 2008

Chevy Traverse's Wind-Cheating Design Delivers Fuel Economy

DETROIT - Besides its bowtie insignia, the all-new Traverse crossover shares something important with Chevy's midsize cars: an exceptional aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd) that enables great fuel economy. Its cd is only 0.33 - making it the sleekest crossover in the segment.

When it hits showrooms this fall, the Traverse is expected to have the segment's best highway fuel economy (EPA certification is pending).

Continue reading "Chevy Traverse's Wind-Cheating Design Delivers Fuel Economy"

Chevrolet Roars Into Houston for "Chevy's Freedom Over Texas"

HOUSTON - Whether the idea of a perfect Fourth of July celebration includes a sneak peek at hot concept cars and trucks, hanging out with NASCAR's finest 200 mph race cars, enjoying a brilliant fireworks display, or kicking back with friends and family to the sounds of electrifying live entertainment, Chevrolet and the City Of Houston have everything covered for "Chevy's Freedom Over Texas" July 4 at Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Roars Into Houston for "Chevy's Freedom Over Texas""

June 20, 2008

Breaking Chrysler's Culture

With Chrysler LLC losing money and its market share plunging in the U.S., Chief Executive Robert Nardelli is tackling what he sees as the root cause of most of the auto maker's problems: its Old Detroit mind-set.

Now, Mr. Nardelli is trying to replace those old habits with some of the no-nonsense management principles that have fueled the success of General Electric Co., one of his former employers. On Wednesday, the top 300 executives at Chrysler are expected to turn off their BlackBerrys and begin three days of in-house management seminars aimed at putting customers first in all of Chrysler's operations.

Mr. Nardelli himself is scheduled to lead a session on the corporate culture of a customer-driven company. The event is the centerpiece of a broader, yearlong effort by Mr. Nardelli to overhaul attitudes at Chrysler. "The traditional way of running the company got us where we are now," Mr. Nardelli said in an interview last week. "So we're trying to break some of the old paradigms."

June 19, 2008

Chevy Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers

DETROIT - The Corvette ZR1 has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:

Continue reading "Chevy Corvette ZR1 By The Numbers"

Camaro Convertible Revealed

By Ed Peper, North America Vice President, Chevrolet

A few months ago, we showed you some official "spy shots" of the pre-production version of the new Camaro coupe.

To say the least, response to that post was overwhelmingly enthusiastic - something that was extremely gratifying to all of us here at Chevrolet, who have been hard at work testing and retesting the Camaro development models.

Continue reading "Camaro Convertible Revealed"

June 17, 2008

Chevrolet Announces Pricing For 2009 Aveo And Aveo5

DETROIT - Chevrolet has announced pricing for the 2009 Aveo lineup - including the redesigned Aveo5 five-door hatchback - begins at $12,120 (including a $660 destination charge) for Aveo LS and Aveo5 LS, making it one of the most affordable cars on the market.

It costs hundreds less than many competitors and comes standard with features such as side-impact air bags and OnStar.

Continue reading " Chevrolet Announces Pricing For 2009 Aveo And Aveo5"

June 15, 2008

New Appointments Build GM Brand Channel Alignment

DETROIT - General Motors announced personnel moves today in support of its four retail channels: Chevrolet; Premium (Cadillac, Hummer, Saab); Buick-Pontiac-GMC; and Saturn. The moves streamline the organization by combining or eliminating job functions. This will help the brands better deliver world-class products to customers, and build value for GM and its dealers.

The following appointments are effective July 1st; however these individuals will begin to transition into their new roles immediately.

Continue reading "New Appointments Build GM Brand Channel Alignment"

June 14, 2008

GM Rolls Out Military Discount

DETROIT - General Motors today announced an online vehicle discount program for active and reserve military members that can save military families thousands of dollars when purchasing a new car or truck from Chevrolet, Saturn, Pontiac, Buick, Saab, Cadillac, GMC or HUMMER.

"The GM Military Discount Program" is an online web site that enables active and reserve members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard to get a new vehicle discount. Under the program, military members can receive as much as a $1,500 discount off the MSRP of a new Buick Enclave crossover; $2,200 off a new Chevrolet Impala sedan; or as much as $4,200 off a new GMC Sierra pickup truck.

Continue reading "GM Rolls Out Military Discount"

June 12, 2008

GM Certified Used Vehicles Live on eBay Motors

DETROIT - GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced today that its 60,000-plus-vehicle inventory from 3,900-plus U.S. dealers is now listed on eBay Motors (www.ebaymotors.com), the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive.

Continue reading "GM Certified Used Vehicles Live on eBay Motors"

June 8, 2008

Video: Bob Lutz on the Volt Test Mule

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

This week we announced that the GM Board has approved the Chevrolet Volt program. Yes, development work has been going on in earnest, but now it’s official. In fact, recently, at GM’s Milford Proving Ground, I drove an official “engineering development vehicle” with the 16-kwh lithium-ion battery pack we’ve been testing for our E-Flex System and I have to say – pun half-intended – it was electrifying.

Continue reading "Video: Bob Lutz on the Volt Test Mule"

Chevy to award five lucky high school grads with new cars

Nashville, Tenn. – During Fall 2008, high school seniors at more than 200 schools in 26 Tennessee counties learned that having perfect attendance would make them eligible to win a new 2008 Chevy Cobalt sedan this June. Close to 500 students faithfully attended all 180 days during the school year.

Five of these students will be awarded new Chevy Cobalts in a drawing held at the Sommet Center on 501 Broadway in Nashville on June 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Continue reading "Chevy to award five lucky high school grads with new cars"

June 6, 2008

GM looks beyond improved quality scores

By Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President, Quality

There are many gate-checks, so to speak, here at GM when it comes to quality. However, the ones that matter most to you, the customer, the driver, are the external measures that tell you if we’re all wet or if we’re running hard and clean. J.D. Power & Associates has announced its Initial Quality Survey results. I won’t re-iterate the content of the press release.

Continue reading "GM looks beyond improved quality scores"

Winners Unveiled at Auto Interiors Show

DETROIT -- For the first time in several years, foreign nameplates outshined domestic competitors for top honors in the 2008 Ward's "Interior of the Year" Awards. And unlike previous years, no brand won more than a single award.

Chosen by the editors of Ward's Automotive Group, the prestigious awards were presented today to executives of the automakers at a special program held on the floor of the Ward's Auto Interiors Show at Detroit's Cobo Center.

Continue reading "Winners Unveiled at Auto Interiors Show"

June 5, 2008

Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008

Pickup truck sales dropped 36.1% in the U.S. in May, and as they say, that's gonna' leave a mark.

For the year to date pickup sales are down 21%, with only the Toyota Tundra selling more than last year [8.5%].

Even with plant idlings and closings, it's becoming pretty obvious there is overcapacity in the market, and we wouldn't be surprised if one of the manufacturers pulls out or shuts down pickup truck production altogether.

Best selling pickups trucks for May 2008:

Continue reading "Best Selling Pickups in the United States for May 2008"

Top Selling Minivans in the Unites States for May 2008

The minivan segment saw sales drop 16.6% in May, with Chrysler holding on to two of the top three spots, thanks in part to their gas rebate plan.

Of particular note was the 80% drop in Hyundai Entourage sales, that one can only hope was due to a supply problem -- point being, this is a bad time to be getting into the minivan business, as Volkswagen is about to find out.

The top 8 best selling minivans in the United States for May 2008:

Continue reading "Top Selling Minivans in the Unites States for May 2008"

June 4, 2008

Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008

With total SUV sales down 19.5% in May, not even the crossover segment was able to escape unscathed -- the smaller ute/station wagon category was also down 5%, as consumers decided they didn't even want mini-SUVs over more fuel efficient cars.

Besides the usual suspects a couple vehicles did well in consumers' quest for smaller wagons, including the Dodge Journey, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. Also of note is that GM placed both the GMC Acadia and Saturn Vue in the top 15, which is good news for that new platform, and for the parent company that suffered a big blow for the month.

After the jump, the top 15 best selling crossovers for May 2008:

Continue reading "Top Selling Crossovers in the United States for May 2008"

Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the United States for May 2008

American consumers voted with their wallets at car dealerships in May, and overwhelmingly chose fuel efficient cars over trucks and SUVs, by the highest margin in recent history. Nearly 60% of vehicles bought were cars, while bigger vehicles dropped to 43% of purchases.

There was big news in the battle for the best selling car, as the Honda Civic pulled in front of Toyota's Camry and Corolla, with the Nissan Altima taking its usual fifth spot behind the Honda Accord.

But even the domestics did well in this new reality environment, as Chevy posted three best sellers to the top ten, and Ford had two, with the Focus that has been doing well, but also with the Fusion sedan that had its best sales month ever.

Top Ten Best Selling Car in the United States for May 2008:

Continue reading "Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the United States for May 2008"

June 3, 2008

GM plans new Chevy compact, updated Aveo

General Motors has announced plans to build a new compact Chevy at their Lordstown, Ohio, plant, in the middle of 2010. The new vehicle will be a "global" car, meaning it will simultaneously be built and marketed in other countries besides the United States.

The new Chevy will come equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is expected to yield an additional 9 mpg over their current small car offerings.

Chevy will also move forward with a next generation of the Aveo subcompact. Based on a global architecture, the Aveo is also expected to have segment-leading fuel economy when it goes on sale in the U.S. market in the second half of 2010.

GM will build the Chevy Volt Electric Car

GM has approved funding to build the Chevy Volt electric vehicle, and confirms that it will come equipped with still experimental lithium-ion batteries. GM expects the Volt to be in showrooms by the end of 2010.

GM Increases Small Car Production, Closes Four Truck Plants

General Motors has announced they are increasing small car production in Michigan and Ohio, at plants that make the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6 and the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5, to keep up with increased consumer demand of small and mid-size cars.

GM also said they will shut down four truck plants, in Canada, Ohio, Wisconsin and Mexico.

One plant will stop making the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra in 2009, while another that makes the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Saab 9-7x, will end production at the end of the 2010 model run, or sooner, if demand dictates. A Wisconsin plant will cease production of medium-duty trucks by the end of 2009, and of the Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon in 2010, or sooner, if market demand dictates. Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck production will also end in Toluca, Mexico, by the end of this year.

GM expects these actions will save more than $1 billion by 2010 and plans to have to work with unions to handle even more layoffs, due to "long-term changes in consumer demand for trucks and SUVs."

GM Reports May Sales Down 28%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 272,363 vehicles in May.

The sales increase in fuel efficient cars and crossover vehicles could not make up for soft truck demand and a decline in fleet deliveries impacted by the American Axle strike.

Approximately 15-18,000 sales were lost in May, or will be retimed, due to various work stoppages including the American Axle strike. Compared with a strong May 2007, total sales were down 30 percent (28 percent unadjusted). Truck sales declined 39 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports May Sales Down 28%"

Hyundai Elantra Tops Toyota Corolla in Small Sedan Test

YONKERS, N.Y. -- After testing a group of compacts and subcompacts, Consumer Reports judged the Hyundai Elantra SE best with an "Excellent" overall road test score. But three other compact cars, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, also achieved "Very Good" ratings in a report on gas-saving sedans published in the July issue.

The Corolla achieved a very impressive 32 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' real-world fuel economy tests. That's among the best gas mileage CR has seen in a conventional gasoline-powered car with an automatic transmission. Only the smaller Honda Fit (32 mpg) and Toyota Yaris (33 mpg) subcompacts do as well or better.

Continue reading "Hyundai Elantra Tops Toyota Corolla in Small Sedan Test"

May 30, 2008

GM to give locksmiths access to key info

GM is implementing a nationwide process for registered locksmiths to obtain information to make replacement keys and obtain immobilizer PIN information for GM vehicles.

Effective May 30, 2008, using a process established in December 2007 to comply with California law, any licensed (where licensing is required) and bonded locksmiths in the U.S. who have complied with the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Secure Data Release Model verification process will be able to access key code and immobilizer (when applicable) information when the verified registered owner / lessee of a vehicle requests the locksmith to produce a key to enter, start, and operate the vehicle.

Continue reading "GM to give locksmiths access to key info"

May 29, 2008

GM Announces California Public Policy Partners for Fuel Cell Project

DETROIT - As a further demonstration of its commitment to fuel cell technology, General Motors handed the keys to four Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles to a group of key government partners who are participating in Chevrolet's Project Driveway - the largest-ever market test of fuel cell-electric vehicles.

More than 100 electric vehicles, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, are being placed in the hands of drivers in New York, California and Washington, DC. Selected drivers include general public, media, influencers, celebrities, business and public policy partners.

Continue reading "GM Announces California Public Policy Partners for Fuel Cell Project"

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

Continue reading "Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards"

Chevy's Big Presence at 2008 CMA Music Festival

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The 2008 CMA Music Festival carries on the tradition of unique interactions between fans and their favorite celebrities with the free Chevy Sports Zone.

The area will feature a variety of friendly competitions between Country Music artists, celebrities, professional athletes and chefs. The area also features animal events, a state championship qualifying BBQ cookoff, and much more.

Continue reading "Chevy's Big Presence at 2008 CMA Music Festival"

May 28, 2008

DOE Takes Delivery of A Chevy Equinox Electric Vehicle Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the addition of a Chevy Equinox fuel cell electric vehicle to its fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today joined the team of pioneers - from regular families to media, celebrities and businesses - helping to make fuel cell vehicles a reality.

For the next six months, DOE employees will use the Chevy Equinox electric vehicle to conduct day-to-day business while sharing real-world performance data.

Continue reading "DOE Takes Delivery of A Chevy Equinox Electric Vehicle Powered by a Hydrogen Fuel Cell"

May 23, 2008

OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards

Detroit – OnStar by GM captured the “Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product Award” at the 2008 Detroit Telematics Awards event.

Awards are judged by independent industry experts and are open to all companies in the automotive and mobile telematics eco-system that develop and provide compelling products, services, and content.

Continue reading "OnStar Receives Honors at Telematics Update Awards"

May 22, 2008

Challenge X Crosses the Finish Line

By Beth Lowery, Vice President, GM Environment, Energy & Safety Policy

Today I had the privilege of waving the checkered flag at the final Challenge X finish line.

The Mississippi State University Challenge X team with its Chevrolet Equinox

This is the second time in my life that I’ve been an official at an important race. Two years ago, I was the Official Starter at the GM FlexFuel 250 at Daytona International Speedway, which opened the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

Continue reading "Challenge X Crosses the Finish Line"

May 21, 2008

GM Partners with Discovery Channel on Planet Green

New York, N.Y. General Motors and Discovery Communications today unveiled a multifaceted GM advertising sponsorship of Planet Green, the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle network coming to 50 million homes beginning June 4.

For GM, the partnership includes premier sponsorship of the network's landmark series "Greensburg," various vehicle and program integrations, short-form content and an online component.

Continue reading "GM Partners with Discovery Channel on Planet Green"

May 20, 2008

GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains

by Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President, Quality

So, I’m watching the NFL draft a few weeks ago and it hits me. It occurred to me that there is a complete incongruity (thank you word-a-day calendar) between hope and reality.

Don’t get me wrong, hope is very important. Hope, however, is not active. It doesn’t drive results. Do you think any of the draftees just sat on the bench hoping to play … hoping to be spotted … hoping to be picked? Of course not. They worked hard. They had a plan. They actively pursued their goal of playing football well.

Continue reading "GM's Jamie Hresko touts quality gains"

May 16, 2008

Chevy donates horsepower to Wayne County

DETROIT, Mich. – Chevrolet today donated 365 horses to the Restore the Horse Foundation for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office mounted police unit.

The horses are corralled under the hood of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500 "dually" pickup truck, which along with a horse trailer donated by Restore the Horse, will be used to maintain and enhance the local mounted unit – the last of its kind in the state of Michigan.

Continue reading "Chevy donates horsepower to Wayne County"

May 13, 2008

GM Hosts Collegiate Advanced Tech Vehicles

Culminating four years of competition General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy will host a finish line ceremony and press conference featuring vehicles from the collegiate engineering competition Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility.

The event marks the end of the Challenge X competition and concludes a 350-mile road rally from New York City to Washington, D.C. Following the press conference, select vehicles will be available for brief ride and drive opportunities.

Continue reading "GM Hosts Collegiate Advanced Tech Vehicles"

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 9, 2008

Tenacious D Goes Backstage for GM at Music Fests

DETROIT -- GMnext is going backstage at some of the world's biggest rock festivals this summer - providing music fans exclusive access through a series of video, photo and blog updates.

GMnext Plug In is a celebration of the 100+ year relationship between cars and music. From AM to FM, 8-track to cassette, compact disc to mp3, music is almost always a part of the driving experience.

Continue reading "Tenacious D Goes Backstage for GM at Music Fests"

May 6, 2008

Chevrolet to unveil new midget racing engine

On Wednesday, May 7th, GM racing representatives and United States Auto Club (USAC) team owner Tony Stewart will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to unveil the all-new Chevy engine for the USAC National Midget Car Series.

Continue reading "Chevrolet to unveil new midget racing engine"

May 5, 2008

GM Rebates for May 2008

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac Saab and Saturn brands. Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $3,000 on the Hummer H3 and $1,000 on the Pontiac Solstice. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

Chevy Rebates for May 2008

Chevy is offering up to a $2,000 rebate on the 2008 Silverado pickup truck, $1,500 on the Cobalt, $2,500 on the Impala, $2,000 on the Trailblazer and has a host of low interest financing programs available. Programs end 5/21/08.

May 4, 2008

Top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008

Americans rediscovered cars in April 2008, with small cars in particular accounting for nearly one in five of all vehicles sold in an otherwise down month.

Toyota had four vehicles in the top twenty, General Motors had three; Nissan, Hyundai and Kia had two apiece. And Dodge has a hit with the Caliber, which made the list at number 9.

With people paying nearly $4 per gallon of gas nationwide, it appears that the free market has achieved what environmentalists have been clamoring about for years -- to conserve fuel by buying smaller vehicles.

The top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008:

Continue reading "Top twenty best selling small cars for April 2008"

Top ten best selling crossovers for April 2008

Overall, pickups and SUV sales were down 17.4% in April and are down 13.5% for the year to date. The one bright spot is the crossover and small wagon category, which was down 0.4% for the month but has edge up 1.9% for the year.

In general, crossover utility vehicles are built on car platforms, while traditional SUVs are built on truck frames. CUVs are smaller, lighter and get better gas mileage than big SUVs -- one way to think of them is that they are really modern station wagons, but shorter and with a higher profile.

This months list of the top ten selling crossovers features three vehicles from General Motors, and two each from Ford and Toyota. Also of note, the new Nissan Rogue made the list at number ten.

The top ten best selling crossovers for April 2008:

Continue reading "Top ten best selling crossovers for April 2008"

Top ten best selling cars for April 2008

With gas prices at record highs in the U.S., consumers are buying cars in greater percentage than light trucks and SUVs, a reversal of a long-term trend.

In April, 52.6% of vehicles sold were cars, a gain of 5.2% over the same month last year.

Of particular note is that both General Motors and Toyota both notched three cars apiece in the top ten.

The top ten best selling cars for April 2008:

Continue reading "Top ten best selling cars for April 2008"

May 2, 2008

GM Enlists D.C. Drivers to Test Hydrogen Vehicles

WASHINGTON, D.C. - At the Shell station on Benning Road Northeast, General Motors President and Chief Operating Officer, Fritz Henderson, presented the keys to the area's first motorists to be selected to test drive away in advanced technology hydrogen fuel cell powered Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles.

Identified at the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Tom Albert of Alexandria, Va., and Nick Williams of Washington D.C., will join drivers from Southern California and the New York metropolitan area in GM's "Project Driveway" -- the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and first comprehensive market test of this innovative technology.

Continue reading "GM Enlists D.C. Drivers to Test Hydrogen Vehicles"

GM Reports April Sales Down 16%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 260,922 vehicles in April. Retail car and crossover sales were up more than 9 percent.

A sharp sales increase in fuel efficient cars and crossovers could not make up for soft truck demand and a sharp decline in fleet deliveries impacted by the American Axle strike. On a non-adjusted basis, retail sales were down 11.5 percent and total sales for the month were down 16 percent.

Continue reading "GM Reports April Sales Down 16%"

April 29, 2008

Chevy offers Cobalt "XFE" that delivers 36 mpg

DETROIT - Consumers looking to squeeze the most mileage from every gallon of gas will find much to appreciate with the new Chevy Cobalt XFE. It delivers a segment-best 36 mpg in highway driving, outdistancing competitors like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.

The Cobalt XFE - for Xtra Fuel Economy - is on sale now and includes LS and 1LT coupe and sedan models with the manual transmission.

Continue reading "Chevy offers Cobalt "XFE" that delivers 36 mpg"

April 28, 2008

GM to Reduce Full-Size Truck Production

DETROIT – GM announced today that it is eliminating one shift of production at its full-size pickup truck assembly plants in Pontiac, Mich.; Flint, Mich.; and Oshawa, Ontario; and its full-size SUV assembly plant in Janesville, Wis. The decisions were made to bring production capacity more in line with market demand.

Under this plan, approximately 88,000 units of full-size pickup and 50,000 units of full-size SUV production will be removed from GM’s North American production capacity for the remainder of the 2008 calendar year.

Continue reading "GM to Reduce Full-Size Truck Production"

April 24, 2008

GM Invites Atlanta Auto Show Attendees to Test Drive Vehicles

Consumers attending the AJC International Auto Show Thursday -Sunday, April 24 - 27 will have a unique opportunity to truly 'experience' the GM display by getting behind the wheel and test driving many of General Motors' hottest new vehicles, including the newly redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu, fuel efficient GMC Yukon Hybrid and all-new Pontiac G8.

Other vehicles available for test drives that illustrate the breadth of General Motors' 2008 product portfolio include: Buick Enclave, Buick Lucerne CXS, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac DTS.

Continue reading "GM Invites Atlanta Auto Show Attendees to Test Drive Vehicles"

April 23, 2008

Chevy Malibu Continues To Win New Customers

DETROIT – It’s been approximately six months since Chevrolet’s redesigned Malibu was launched. In that time, it has received critical acclaim – including being named 2008 North American Car of the Year – and numerous recommendations by consumer groups.

More importantly, the new Malibu is resonating with customers. In only the first quarter of 2008, market share is up 1.3 points over the same period in ’07.

Continue reading "Chevy Malibu Continues To Win New Customers"

GM Announces First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.25 Million

DETROIT - General Motors sold 2.25 million cars and trucks around the world in the first quarter of 2008, according to preliminary sales figures released today, with a record 64 percent of all sales occurring outside the United States.

GM global first quarter sales were down less than one percent. Robust first quarter sales in GM's Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GMLAAM) and Asia Pacific (GMAP) regions, and improved sales in the GM Europe (GME) region helped offset a 10 percent decline in GM North America (GMNA). Sales outside GMNA were up 8 percent compared with last year.

Continue reading "GM Announces First Quarter Global Sales of More Than 2.25 Million"

Chevy Malibu LTZ Now Offers Four-Cylinder/Six-Speed Automatic Powertrain

DETROIT – Chevrolet’s popular, award-winning 2008 Malibu offers an expanded range of customer choices this spring, with an efficient four-cylinder/six-speed automatic combination offered on LTZ models.

A 2.4L Ecotec engine is partnered with a 6T40 transmission to deliver a great balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for this combination is 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.

Continue reading "Chevy Malibu LTZ Now Offers Four-Cylinder/Six-Speed Automatic Powertrain"

New York County Joins Chevrolet's Fuel Cell Test Program

ROCHESTER, NY -- Monroe County, New York, announced today that they will use a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell Electric vehicle as part of their efforts to promote a cleaner and greener environment in the Western New York area. Monroe County becomes the latest member of Chevy's Project Driveway--the largest-ever market test of fuel cell and hydrogen technology.

The announcement was made by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks during her annual State of the County Address in Rochester, NY.

Continue reading "New York County Joins Chevrolet's Fuel Cell Test Program"

GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets

"GM intends to meet the tough, new national CAFE standards of 35 mpg for cars and trucks combined by 2020, a dramatic increase of 40 percent."

NHTSA’s proposed rule lays out the first set of standards toward this target. GM will work with NHTSA throughout its rulemaking process on the yearly targets and the sensible mechanisms needed to meet this challenge.”

Continue reading "GM statement on proposed 2011-2015 Fuel Economy Targets"

April 16, 2008

GM nabs Nissan's McNabb, reorganizes retail roster

DETROIT – General Motors announced today that its U.S. marketing and field operations will be more strongly aligned into four retail channels: Chevrolet; Premium (Cadillac, Hummer, Saab); Buick-Pontiac-GMC; and Saturn. Each channel will be focused on continuing to deliver world-class products for their customer and build value for GM and their respective dealers.

GM announced the appointment of four new leadership positions to direct activities within this organization, effective June 1:

Continue reading "GM nabs Nissan's McNabb, reorganizes retail roster"

April 15, 2008

GM Reward Programs Expanded to Saturn Vehicles

DETROIT - Consumers who want to use their GM Card or GM Flexible Earnings Card toward the purchase of an eligible, new GM vehicle now have the option to purchase or lease a new Saturn under expanded program guidelines.

The GM Card and the GM Flexible Earnings Card allows Cardmembers to earn toward an eligible new GM vehicle with every credit card purchase. Effective April 15, 2008 Saturn vehicles will be added to the expanded program.

Continue reading "GM Reward Programs Expanded to Saturn Vehicles"

April 9, 2008

GM Europe sales reach all-time record

Zurich -- In the first quarter of 2008, General Motors (GM) Europe sales reached an all-time record of 572,137 vehicles*, an increase of 18,111 units compared to Q1 2007. The company market share was 9.6 percent.

“The Chevrolet brand’s strong growth – especially in Eastern and Central Europe – continued in the first quarter of 2008. As the new Aveo, Chevrolet’s European best-seller, is just being launched in many markets, we are confident to see this trend continue throughout the year,” said Jonathan Browning, GM Europe Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

Continue reading "GM Europe sales reach all-time record"

April 3, 2008

Chevy Engineers Advance Volt Battery Research

WARREN, Mich. – Engineers at GM’s battery test facilities have developed a new computer algorithm to accelerate durability testing of the advanced lithium-ion batteries needed to power the Chevrolet Volt for up to 40 miles (64 km) of electric-only driving.

This advanced computer program duplicates real-life vehicle speed and cargo-carrying conditions, and compresses 10 years of comprehensive battery testing into the Volt’s brisk development schedule.

Continue reading "Chevy Engineers Advance Volt Battery Research"

Thank You, Citizens of Volt Nation

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

This is a little late coming, but I just wanted to take the time and space to officially thank everyone who traveled to New York, some from fairly far away, for the Volt Nation event at the auto show there last month.

And I’d like to thank Dr. Lyle Dennis, the Foundation of Volt Nation, for organizing such a great event, and for his boundless enthusiasm. In fact, all the attendees were rather enthusiastic, and we are very appreciative of that, and of their rabid interest in the Volt program.

Continue reading "Thank You, Citizens of Volt Nation"

Chevrolet Collects Three 'Car of the Year 2008' Awards

Bangkok -- A total of three Chevrolet models -- Colorado, Captiva SUV and Optra CNG -- have been recognized as Car of the Year 2008 by automotive publisher Grand Prix International. This marks the first time in Chevrolet's 8-year history in Thailand that three vehicles have been singled out for this award in the same year.

Chevrolet proved once again its ability to deliver expressive design, spirited performance and great value by capturing the coveted Car of The Year 2008 award for three of its models, each determined to be a leader in its respective class.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Collects Three 'Car of the Year 2008' Awards"

April 2, 2008

April Chevy Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Chevy is offering up to a $2,000 rebate on the 2008 Silverado pickup truck, $1,000 on the Equinox SUV, $2,000 on the Trailblazer and has a host of low interest financing programs available. Programs end 4/30/08.

April GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn brands.

Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $3,000 on the Hummer H3 and 5.9% financing on the Buick Enclave SUV. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines. Programs end April 30, 2008.

GM launches new navigation service through OnStar

Dallas -- OnStar today announced the introduction of two new navigational services to complement and enhance its existing Turn-by-Turn service, the most widely available navigation system on the market. These features solidify GM's leadership in navigation with more vehicles on the road with embedded navigation systems and more options than any other automaker.

The first new service is OnStar Destination Download, which enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based navigation systems to quickly input their destination while on the go via the simple press of a button.

Continue reading "GM launches new navigation service through OnStar"

XM NavTraffic Expands to 2009 GM Vehicles

DALLAS -- XM, the nation's leading provider of satellite radio, today announced at the 2008 Dallas Auto Show the continued expansion of its award-winning real-time XM NavTraffic service into 22 GM vehicles in the 2009 model year.

XM NavTraffic is already the traffic information standard on the highly- praised Cadillac CTS model. XM NavTraffic will expand across the GM vehicle lineup to provide real-time traffic intelligence to 22 navigation-equipped GM vehicles in the 2009 model year.

Continue reading "XM NavTraffic Expands to 2009 GM Vehicles"

April 1, 2008

GM Offers Low Interest on Certfied Used Vehicles

DETROIT – GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand*, today announced a nationwide GMAC rate incentive program on select GM Certified Used Vehicles, including Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR, Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado; Pontiac G6; and GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL models.

The new rate incentive offer, effective April 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008, provides well-qualified GM Certified Used Vehicles buyers with 2.9% APR financing for terms up to 48 months or 3.9% APR financing for terms up to 60 months from GMAC Financial Services on select 2003-2008 models.

Continue reading "GM Offers Low Interest on Certfied Used Vehicles"

GM Reports March Sales Down 13%

DETROIT – GM dealers in the United States delivered 282,732 vehicles in March, a decrease of 13 percent when compared with the same month a year ago.

For the first three months of 2008, GM total sales of 805,720 vehicles were down 11 percent compared with a year ago. Retail share appears to have remained stable throughout the month and the quarter.

Continue reading "GM Reports March Sales Down 13%"

March 31, 2008

Video: AT GM, Quality Comes First

Quality Comes First: Getting The Message Across

General Motors is working to aggressively market the increased quality of the latest line of vehicles.

March 30, 2008

Auto Designers Making Hot Wheels in Competition

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. designer Amaury Diaz Serrano still remembers the day in 1968 when his father bought him his first Hot Wheels car -- a blue Camaro -- at a Sears in his native Puerto Rico.

So imagine Diaz Serrano's thrill when Hot Wheels announced a competition for auto company designers to come up with a new series of the miniature cars.

"The chances of designing a Hot Wheel are like going to the moon," Diaz Serrano said.

GM cashes in with Malibu

The critical acclaim was nice, but now the made-over Chevrolet Malibu appears to be raking in something General Motors Corp. covets even more: cash.

Car buyers are paying $5,000 more on average for a new Malibu compared to the old models, according to J.D. Power and Associates. And six months after the vehicle's much-hyped launch, the higher prices are holding up despite a rough economy and some tough competition.

It's a singular feat for a new vehicle launch, especially by a domestic automaker with a history of lackluster entries in the midsize sedan segment.

March 28, 2008

Feel the Chevy Thunder at Stockyards Station

Fort Worth, TX – The 8th Annual Chevy Thunder is roaring into Stockyards Station in Fort Worth, Friday-Saturday, April 4-5 for a free, two-day race extravaganza. Fans will be treated to interactive displays, opportunities to meet some of NASCAR’s top TEAM Chevy drivers, a monster Silverado, an off-road consumer ride and drive area, live entertainment, and more.

“Chevy Thunder has always been a great event for families to spend time together,” said Eric Snow, Assistant Regional Marketing Manager for Chevrolet Trucks.

Continue reading "Feel the Chevy Thunder at Stockyards Station"

First Dealership-Owned E85 Station Opens in Texas

GRAPEVINE, Tex. – Texans with flex-fuel vehicles gained easier access Friday to E85 ethanol at the first public biofuel pumps in the nation owned by a new car and truck dealership.

Classic Chevrolet/HUMMER, which sold more Chevrolet trucks than any dealer in the nation in 2007, spent more than $500,000 to install nine pumps dedicated to E85, E10 and biodiesel at the new Classic Clean Fuels station adjacent to its Mr. Good Wrench Quick Lube Plus and HUMMER dealership in suburban Dallas.

Continue reading "First Dealership-Owned E85 Station Opens in Texas"

March 27, 2008

2008 Chevy Mailbu

This is the new generation Chevy Malibu that breathed new life into the brand and made it the North American Car of the Year.

Starting at only $19,995, the Malibu is poised to reclaim market share in the entry level sedan market.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu comes equipped with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower or a 3.6 liter V6 that produces 252 horsepower.

March 26, 2008

Chevrolet Supports Autism Speaks' Efforts to Boost Awareness and Raise Funds

DETROIT – Autism Speaks and Chevrolet today announced a month-long promotion to help generate up to $1 million for the non-profit organization and create greater awareness of autism, a disorder that is now diagnosed in one in every 150 children.

During April – Autism Awareness Month – people who go to the Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org), can click on the “Help Chevy Help Autism” icon and take a free virtual test drive of the 2008 North American Car of the Year – the all-new Chevy Malibu.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Supports Autism Speaks' Efforts to Boost Awareness and Raise Funds"

March 20, 2008

Chevrolet Announces Pricing For The Turbocharged Cobalt SS

DETROIT – Powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features.

Offered exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission, it is also an efficient performer, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving – the best among top competitors.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Announces Pricing For The Turbocharged Cobalt SS"

March 18, 2008

Corvette Still #1 Most Requested Vehicles to Lease

CINCINNATI -- Automobile Consumer Services, Inc. (ACS), has released a list of the top 10 most requested vehicles from its popular auto leasing website www.LeaseCompare.com.

Information was collected during the second half of 2007 from more than two million lease quote requests.

Continue reading "Corvette Still #1 Most Requested Vehicles to Lease"

March 11, 2008

Turbocharged Chevrolet Cobalt SS: Boosting Fun, Compact Style

DETROIT – True to its legendary moniker, the Cobalt SS delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features – along with an undeniably fun and youthful character. It is also an efficient performer, delivering an estimated 30 mpg in highway driving.

Developed by GM Performance Division (GMPD) and powered by a 260-horsepower (194 kW) turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L Ecotec engine, the Cobalt SS delivers 55 horses (41 kW) more than the previous Cobalt SS Supercharged, and its driving experience was validated on racetracks throughout North America and Europe, including Germany’s legendary Nürburgring circuit.

Continue reading "Turbocharged Chevrolet Cobalt SS: Boosting Fun, Compact Style"

Rent a Corvette At Avis

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System, LLC today announced the addition of the storied Chevrolet Corvette convertible to its U.S. fleet.

The newest member of the Avis 'Cool Car' Collection, a series of popular high-end vehicles that can be specifically reserved by make and model, the Chevrolet Corvette convertible is now available with guaranteed reservations at select Avis locations in Arizona, California, Florida and Las Vegas.

Continue reading "Rent a Corvette At Avis"

March 10, 2008

General Motors Honors Top Dealers with Jack Smith Award

New York, NY - General Motors held its annual GM Dealer Of The Year award ceremony in New York City today to present the Jack Smith Leadership Award to its top 115 dealers.

Honorees were chosen from more than 6,700 GM dealers across the U.S., and exemplify the company's dedication to exceptional sales performance and superior customer service.

Continue reading "General Motors Honors Top Dealers with Jack Smith Award"

March 9, 2008

March Chevy Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Chevy is offering up to a $2,000 rebate on the 2008 Silverado pickup truck, $1,000 on the Cobalt, $3,000 on the Trailblazer and has a host of 0%-5.9% low interest financing programs available. Programs end 3/31/08.

March GM Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

General Motors is offering a wide variety of rebate programs that cover Chevy, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Hummer, Pontiac Saab and Saturn brands. Amounts range from $2,000 on the Chevy Silverado pickup to $2,000 on the Hummer H3 and $3,500 on the Saab 9-3. Low interest rate financing is available across all brand and model lines. Programs end 3/31/08.

March 6, 2008

GM's Next-Generation Hybrid

By Tom Stephens, Group Vice President GM Powertrain

As Rick Wagoner announced this morning at the Geneva auto show, we have a strong new addition to our portfolio of hybrid technologies. The next-generation GM Hybrid system is an affordable hybrid option that will be nearly three times more powerful than the one currently found on the Saturn Vue Green Line, the Saturn Aura Green Line and the Chevy Malibu Hybrid.

We’ll introduce the system in North America in 2010, where you may eventually see it in more than 100,000 of our vehicles annually. The new system is based on a lighter but more powerful lithium-ion battery than the nickel metal hydride one we use today.

Continue reading "GM's Next-Generation Hybrid"

March 5, 2008

Tax Credits for Hybrid Cars

The deadline for filing taxes is right around the corner, and if you purchased a hybrid vehicle in 2007, the following list can tell you what type of tax credit you can expect to receive on your 2007 return.

Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, certain hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles can earn credits of up to $4,000. To be eligible for the Energy Policy Act of 2005, vehicles have to fall into one of four categories: fuel cell, advance lean burn technology, hybrid or alternative fuel. Currently, the only mass-market cars that qualify are hybrids and one alternative-fuel car, the Honda Civic GX.

Continue reading "Tax Credits for Hybrid Cars"

March 3, 2008

GM Sales Down 13% in February

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 270,423 vehicles in February, a decrease of 13 percent compared with an unusually strong February last year.

"Our new launch vehicles, including the award-winning Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, had a sensational month, as did the Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Aura, and the Pontiac G6," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing.

Continue reading "GM Sales Down 13% in February"

Virgin Atlantic To Use Chevy Hydrogen Vehicles To Transport VIPs

NEW YORK - Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ltd. today announced it will use Chevrolet Equinox hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for its "complimentary ground transfer service for upper class passengers" for planes landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The announcement was made by Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson and Dr. Lawrence Burns, GM vice president of Research & Development and Strategic planning, and at a news conference in New York. Project Driveway is already underway; the Virgin partnership continues through the duration of the 30-month program.

Continue reading "Virgin Atlantic To Use Chevy Hydrogen Vehicles To Transport VIPs"

GMAC Gives Away a Chevy Malibu

MUNCIE, Ind. -- The winner of the 2008 GMAC Bowl Right Stuff Challenge took possession of a new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu following her winning performance at the 2008 GMAC Bowl in January.

Ball State University senior Amy Duncan accepted the keys to her new Malibu from Steve DeAnda, president of American Chevrolet and Cadillac in Muncie, Ind., and Bryan Figge, GMAC Indianapolis branch manager.

Continue reading "GMAC Gives Away a Chevy Malibu"

March 1, 2008

Chevrolet Helps High School Seniors "Drive for Perfection"

Going to school just got sweeter for high school seniors in more than 200 schools in 26 Tennessee counties because of the Chevy Drive For Perfection Program.

Through this initiative, five lucky students will be awarded with a 2008 Chevy Cobalt sedan for having perfect attendance during the 2007-2008 school year.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Helps High School Seniors "Drive for Perfection""

February 26, 2008

GM Introduces New Chassis for Bus and Ambulance Applications

DETROIT – General Motors’ Fleet and Commercial Operations announced the all-new, 2009 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 4500 commercial cutaway van.

Flexibility and durability are hallmarks of the 4500 chassis, as it was engineered to support the needs of three primary applications: school buses, shuttle buses and ambulances.

Continue reading "GM Introduces New Chassis for Bus and Ambulance Applications"

February 21, 2008

GM Offers LA Drivers E85 Ethanol for 85 Cents a Gallon

BRENTWOOD, Calif. – The rising price of gasoline is hard to avoid in Los Angeles, but owners of the more than 46,000 FlexFuel vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol are about to get a break this Tuesday – paying only 85.9 cents a gallon for the cleaner, alternative fuel.

On February 26th from noon to 2:00 p.m., Conserv Fuel at 11699 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood will offer E85 ethanol for 85 cents a gallon.

And General Motors is paying the bill.

Continue reading "GM Offers LA Drivers E85 Ethanol for 85 Cents a Gallon"

February 19, 2008

Chevy Showcases 2008 Malibu at Univision Music Fest

MIAMI - Chevrolet today announced its exclusive automotive sponsorship of this year's 20th anniversary celebration of Premio Lo Nuestro a la Música Latina (Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards) on February 21, 2008.

For over eight years, Chevrolet and Univision Network's Premio lo Nuestro have celebrated Latin music, bringing the hottest talent to people's homes.

Continue reading "Chevy Showcases 2008 Malibu at Univision Music Fest"

Chevrolet Accelerates to the Cleveland Auto Show

General Motors will conduct a press conference at the Cleveland Auto Show showcasing the new turbocharged 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Coupe that delivers a balance of track-proven performance capability, driving refinement and premium features – along with an undeniably fun and youthful character.

The new Cobalt SS features a new 260-horsepower 2.0L Turbo engine, various performance features, and will be built locally at the GM Lordstown assembly plant.

Continue reading "Chevrolet Accelerates to the Cleveland Auto Show"

Next Generation of Hollywood Goes Green at First 'Chevy Rocks the Future'

BURBANK , Calif. – As Hollywood and the rest of the nation embrace a greener way of living, Chevrolet is rolling out the green carpet for celebrities and young influencers at the first-ever “Chevy Rocks the Future” event, Feb. 19 at The Walt Disney Studios.

The event features a live performance by recording artists the Jonas Brothers, the teen sensations from the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana,” and U.S. tour, who have joined forces with Chevy to share their commitment to the environment with young people.

Continue reading "Next Generation of Hollywood Goes Green at First 'Chevy Rocks the Future'"

February 15, 2008

Tennessee High School Seniors Eligible To Win New Car With Perfect Attendance

Nashville, TN - Going to school just got sweeter for high school Seniors at over 200 schools in 26 Tennessee counties because of the Drive For Perfection Program.

Drive For Perfection, an initiative presented by Chevrolet and the Middle Tennessee Chevrolet Dealers in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Education, will award five lucky students with a new 2008 Chevy Cobalt sedan for having perfect attendance during the 2007-2008 school year.

Continue reading "Tennessee High School Seniors Eligible To Win New Car With Perfect Attendance"

GM's Corvette Plant Manager Honored by Engineering Deans of HBCUs

DETROIT - The Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities will recognize GM Corvette plant manager Wilmer Cooksey with its Lifetime Service award for his longtime dedication to education for African Americans.

The group will present the prestigious award to Cooksey, a former college professor, on Saturday, Feb. 16 during the Black Engineer of the Year Award program in Baltimore.

Continue reading "GM's Corvette Plant Manager Honored by Engineering Deans of HBCUs"

February 14, 2008

Chevy Volt is Electrifying the Auto Grid

By Pete Savagian,
Engineering Director, GM Hybrid Powertrain Engineering

The public’s appetite for information on the Volt never ceases to amaze me. The concept obviously struck a chord, although I probably shouldn’t be surprised; I was one of the chief engineers for our last battery electric vehicle – the EV1.

The public’s reaction to the Volt is somewhat similar, although on an even larger scale, to the reaction we received when we built the EV1 – the first modern electric vehicle.

Continue reading "Chevy Volt is Electrifying the Auto Grid"

2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition -- A Roaring Homage to the Past

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06, a limited-production model that pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s.

The 427 designation refers to the cubic-inch displacement for the highest-performance engines offered between 1966 and ’69 – and is also the cubic-inch equivalent of the Z06’s 7.0L LS7 small-block V-8.

The 427 Limited Edition Z06 features a Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior, the first Z06 ever offered with a red metallic tintcoat paint. It also features graphics on the hood and fascia that evoke the style of the famed “stinger” hood design and graphics that were offered with 1967 models equipped with the 427 engine.

Continue reading "2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition -- A Roaring Homage to the Past"

GM Premieres First Ever Fuel Cell, Hybrid SUV Fleet at the Oscars

LOS ANGELES – The red-carpet arrivals at the 80th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, will be transformed with advanced technology vehicles from GMC and Chevrolet.

This fuel-friendly fleet – larger than any other assembled for a major awards show before – will enable Hollywood’s hottest talent to enjoy stylish and environmentally friendly rides in one of more than 75 vehicles, including the GMC Yukon Hybrid, the zero-gas and zero-emissions Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell and the FlexFuel E85 ethanol-compatible GMC Yukon.

Continue reading "GM Premieres First Ever Fuel Cell, Hybrid SUV Fleet at the Oscars"

February 13, 2008

Best Selling Crossovers in the U.S. -- January 2008

The crossover segment is one of the few bright spots in the new vehicle sales reports, with January 2008 sales up 15.1%. As we've pointed out, much of that increase comes at the expense of minivan sales, which were down 18.3% last month.

While crossovers appear to be just small SUVs, they differ from the traditional ute by being built on unibody frames, just like cars, as opposed to being like trucks, which are body on frame construction. In other words crossovers are either tall cars or reconfigured station wagons. But most people call them SUVs. Because they look like one.

Bottom line, consumers are buying more of them because they get better gas mileage, typically handle more like cars, thus being easier to drive than big SUVs. Though we think it's more of a generational shift -- the SUV had its day and is giving way to a new trend.

The best selling crossovers for January 2008 are as follows:

Continue reading "Best Selling Crossovers in the U.S. -- January 2008"

Best Selling Pickups in the U.S. -- January 2008

Pickup truck sales were off 5% in January 2008, with 126,490 units sold, versus 133,159 sold last January.

The Ford F-150 is still number one, but the Chevy Silverado is gaining ground, all the while the Toyota Tundra is chewing up the segment by selling nearly double the numbers of vehicles compared to last year.

The best selling pickups in the U.S. for January 2008 are as follows:

Continue reading "Best Selling Pickups in the U.S. -- January 2008"

GM's Lutz: January Results Demonstrate We Are on the Rise

By Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman

You’ve already heard about our financial results for 2007. Yes, we posted a sizable loss, but it was not a surprise. As Rick Wagoner noted this morning, almost all of that loss was attributed to a special charge in the third quarter.

Right now, though, I want to share some little-noticed facts about our January sales.

Continue reading "GM's Lutz: January Results Demonstrate We Are on the Rise"

February 11, 2008

Corvette ZR1 Set to Wow Europe

GENEVA – The Corvette ZR1 is set to make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The ZR1 brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. This supercar has outstanding performance with smooth driveability at low speeds, yet surprisingly fierce performance when required.

Continue reading "Corvette ZR1 Set to Wow Europe"

February 9, 2008

Chevy Traverse-s their Portfolio

By Ed Peper, General Manager, Chevrolet

We’re on a roll at Chevrolet. I’m sure you’ve all started to see the new Malibu on the streets wherever you live because we can’t keep them on the dealer lots at this point. We’re showing everyone we can produce a car at Chevrolet that competes head-to-head with Camry and Accord.

We’re already leaders on the truck side, and continue to raise the bar in that area – most recently evidenced with the upcoming Silverado Hybrid.

Continue reading "Chevy Traverse-s their Portfolio"

February 8, 2008

GM to Sell Used Vehicles on eBay Motors

DETROIT – GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry’s top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand, announced it has reached an agreement to collaborate in a variety of areas with eBay Motors, the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive, to support the 3,900-plus GM Certified Used Vehicles dealers in the U.S.

As a first step, GM Certified Used Vehicles commits to list their entire national inventory on eBay Motors at no cost to dealers.

Continue reading "GM to Sell Used Vehicles on eBay Motors"

General Motors Launches Wiki-Style History Project

DETROIT - While many companies publish histories to commemorate special milestones, GM is putting a 21st Century, open-source twist on the way its history is told in cyberspace.

Beginning today, GM is inviting people worldwide to contribute to the Generations of GM Wiki on GMnext.com and share their personal, first-person experiences from the company's first 100 years - everything from a story about a summer job in an assembly plant to pictures of a first car to favorite experiences with GM products.

Continue reading "General Motors Launches Wiki-Style History Project"

February 6, 2008

2009 Chevrolet HHR Gets E85 FlexFuel Capability

CHICAGO - The 2009 Chevrolet HHR small SUV will become the first four-cylinder model in General Motors Corp.'s North American lineup that can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol.

GM North America President Troy Clarke unveiled the FlexFuel Chevy HHR today during a speech at the Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast, which opened press days for the Chicago Auto Show.

Continue reading "2009 Chevrolet HHR Gets E85 FlexFuel Capability"

2009 Chevy Traverse SUV Debuts in Chicago

CHICAGO – Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs.

With styling cues inspired by the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu, the Traverse delivers refined details with strong proportions and the bold front-end appearance found on all new Chevrolets. Traverse will start production in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Spring Hill, Tenn. manufacturing facility.

Continue reading "2009 Chevy Traverse SUV Debuts in Chicago"

February 5, 2008

Best Selling Minivans in the U.S. -- January 2008

The best selling minivans in the United States for January 2008 are led by Toyota, in first place, with the Chrysler Town & Country coming in at #2, Honda Odyssey at #3 and the Dodge Grand Caravan at #4.

Chevy came in fifth and Kia put up respectable numbers for the #5 position, with Nissan falling to #6 and Hyundai barely registering at #8.

The best selling minivans in the U.S. for January '08 are as follows:

Continue reading "Best Selling Minivans in the U.S. -- January 2008"

Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the U.S. -- January 2008

The top ten best selling cars in the United States for January 2008 are led once again by Japanese automakers, taking up the top five positions. General Motors has four vehicles on the list, rounded out by the Ford Focus, in the #10 slot.

The top ten best selling cars in the U.S. for January '08 are as follows:

Continue reading "Top Ten Best Selling Cars in the U.S. -- January 2008"

Custom '57 Chevy to Benefit Armed Forces Foundation

WASHINGTON -- The Armed Forces Foundation, dedicated to promoting the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces community, is proud to announce the completion of Super Chevy magazine’s custom-built 1957 Chevy convertible that was built under the name Project American Heroes.

The project, which was created to financially assist families of fallen or disabled Veterans through the Armed Forces Foundation, will be featured at one of Washington’s most widely attended and prestigious galas – the 2008 Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala.

Continue reading "Custom '57 Chevy to Benefit Armed Forces Foundation"

February 3, 2008

Chevy Impala Halftime Lease Ad

This ad for the Chevy Impala opens with a bunch of stuff about OnStar. Are they selling a car or a digital concierge? Good music though, paired with visuals that held the attention. At $229, a good price. Give this one a B-minus.

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

General Motors Reports January Sales Up 2.1%

DETROIT - GM dealers in the United States delivered 252,565 vehicles in January, an increase of 2.1 percent compared with the same month last year. The company continued its efforts to focus on improved retail sales, showing an increase of more than 11 percent.

Very strong retail sales of 186,187 vehicles were driven by a more than 31-percent surge in retail car sales. GM retail share in the U.S. has remained essentially stable for the past two and one-half years. Total truck sales of 148,191 were up more than 3 percent compared with a year ago.

Continue reading "General Motors Reports January Sales Up 2.1%"

January 31, 2008

GM To Display Gas-Friendly Commercial Vehicles At Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO - General Motors, committed to developing the industry's widest range of gas-friendly to gas-free vehicles, will showcase several gas-saving commercial vehicles at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show Feb. 6 thru Feb. 17.

GM's Fleet and Commercial Operations (FCO) will display vehicles featuring outstanding fuel economy, E85 ethanol and biodiesel capability, and gas-electric hybrid vehicles designed to help GM customers go green without going broke.

Continue reading "GM To Display Gas-Friendly Commercial Vehicles At Chicago Auto Show"

January 30, 2008

The Great Rebate War of 2008: Pickups Fire the First Shot

Even though auto execs are swearing that 2008 won't be a year of big rebates, the economic forecast suggests reality may force their hand before the summer selling season.

In just the first month, we are already seeing significant rebates being offered; regular readers already know about our new publication, Current Auto Rebates that lists all rebates for every make and model.

After sales results for January are posted, we will probably see even more money being placed on the hood, but for now, consider the amounts that pickup makers are already floating -- the lowest is GMC with $2,000 for the Sierra, then Toyota with $2,500 for the Tundra. Ford and Chevy are pretty moderate, but mah god Nissan and Dodge are giving away five and six grand respectively.

In our view, there is going to be a great rebate war in 2008, and as you can see from the list below, pickups have already established a beachhead.

January Rebates for Pickup Trucks:
-- Ford F-150: $2,500 or low APR
-- Chevy Silverado: $3,250 or $1,750 and low APR
-- Dodge Ram: $6,000 or $2,500 and low APR
-- Toyota Tundra: $2,000 or low APR
-- Nissan Titan: $5,000 or low APR
-- GMC Sierra: $2,000 or low APR

GM to Showcase Vintage Vehicles at Syracuse Auto Show

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Visitors to the 100th Syracuse Auto Expo, which opens to the public Feb. 6, will get a special treat: a rare glimpse of five vintage General Motors vehicles - the earliest a 1908 Buick - in a display that celebrates the 100th anniversary of GM as well as the Expo.

The vehicle display comes to Syracuse's OnCenter and War Memorial from GM's Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Mich., and was organized by Syracuse-area GM dealers. In addition to Buick, vintage vehicles representing GMC, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Cadillac will be together in the facility's ballroom, and each have a unique story behind them.

Continue reading "GM to Showcase Vintage Vehicles at Syracuse Auto Show"

GM Expands Multicultural Marketing Agency Roster

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. is further broadening its multicultural marketing efforts and today announced that it will add Sanders\Wingo Advertising, Inc., to its list of advertising agencies to provide African American, urban and youth marketing support for Chevrolet, and Carol H. Williams Advertising to provide African American, urban and youth marketing support for Cadillac, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn and the GM Corporate brand, effective at the end of the first quarter of 2008.

Continue reading "GM Expands Multicultural Marketing Agency Roster"

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

Who Gets to Drive the ZR1 Police Car?

We don't know if this police version of the Chevy Corvette ZR1 is just a mock-up to put ice water in bad guy's spines, or if GM has actually gifted the Michigan Staties with the ride.

But if it does hit the road, it will certainly have a deterrent effect.

January 29, 2008

GM Forms Engineering Group for Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries

WARREN, Mich. - In another step aimed at bringing the electrification of vehicles into the mainstream development process more quickly, General Motors has formed a new engineering organization especially dedicated to implementing hybrid and extended- range electric vehicles (E-REV) and advanced battery technology.

Continue reading "GM Forms Engineering Group for Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries"

January 25, 2008

2008 Chevy Uplander Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Chevy Uplander has 5.9% financing available; program ends 3/3/08. The 2008 Chevy Uplander base price -- $21,105.

Click here to get your free 2008 Chevy Uplander price quote!