Chevrolet Spark, Sonic Get a New App for Maps

Its in-your-face colors already make the 2013 Chevrolet Spark hard to lose in a crowd. Now it will be even harder to get lost while driving the Spark and the Sonic, thanks to available GogoLink.

GogoLink is an embedded smartphone application that delivers full-function navigation – including live traffic updates – through the vehicles’ MyLink infotainment system. It was introduced today and is expected to be available in the fall. Consumers can test-drive GogoLink for themselves at a special kiosk in the Chevrolet exhibit the New York International Auto Show.

“GogoLink gives Spark and Sonic customers cloud-based navigation and live traffic alerts projected on the vehicle’s seven-inch, high-resolution touch screen for a great value,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars.

About 90 percent of expected Spark and Sonic buyers own smartphones, Landy said. “This technology is typically found on cars costing far more, but next-gen customers are accustomed to being connected. By using a smartphone app, Chevrolet found a smart and safe way to provide navigation.”

GogoLink navigation includes:

• Emergency information such as police, fire and the nearest hospital
• Thousands of points of interest
• Local Search via Google
• Where am I? locator
• Live traffic functionality provides crash reports and lane closures, and with alternative routes
• 3-D maps
• Ability to store native maps to the customer’s smartphone, giving them access to locations and turn-by-turn directions even when phone signal quality is poor. Many GPS-enabled apps do not do this.

Because GogoLink navigation will become available after Spark goes on sale, the first Spark models sold will require a simple update at the dealer to accommodate the app. GogoLink pricing will be announced later.

MyLink is standard on 1LT and 2LT versions of the Spark, as well as the Sonic LTZ and upcoming Sonic RS model. MyLink is available on Sonic LS and LT models. On Spark and Sonic, MyLink operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media – via Bluetooth, plug-in outlet or USB – with the radio. This lets owners enjoy simple, safe and personalized connectivity while their smartphone is safely stowed.

MyLink is simple to use: The owner selects from options projected onto the touch screen: Audio, Pictures & Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings. Each menu selection takes the user though a list of easy-to-select functions.

MyLink-equipped Spark and Sonic models will launch with two apps: Pandora internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio. When owners with these services connect their compatible smartphones via Bluetooth or by plugging in, they can access these and other functions:

• Personal playlists of stored music
• Hands-free calling with Bluetooth-enabled voice activation from the customer’s smartphone when the steering wheel button is depressed. (Visit gm.com/Bluetooth for a list of compatible smartphones)
• Ability to project video via USB while the vehicle is parked 
• Ability to project a photo album in “slideshow” mode via USB while the vehicle is parked, with the last music selection playing in the background. Once the vehicle is moving, a single photo is viewable.

A four-passenger, five-door hatchback, the 2013 Chevrolet Spark goes on sale this summer, the smallest entry in the Chevrolet passenger car lineup. Though compact, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars such as the Fiat 500, Smartfortwo and the Scion iQ. Equipped with the 1.2L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, Spark is expected to offer very competitive fuel economy.

In addition to MyLink, Spark is equipped with 10 standard air bags, standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and is the only car in its segment with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the safety and security of OnStar.

The performance-oriented 2013 Sonic RS will be available in the fourth quarter of this year. A five-door hatch, it’s the only model in its segment to offer a turbocharged engine – a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L. Other performance attributes include a sport-tuned suspension and unique exterior and interior treatments. All other Sonic models are on sale.

Chevrolet MyLink functionality varies by model. MyLink on Sonic and Spark RS does not include integrated voice recognition or Gracenotes capability.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

 

Courtesy of Media.GM

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2013 Chevy Traverse Gives Families New Gathering Space

The new 2013 Chevrolet Traverse crossover-utility vehicle offers families a new gathering space with greater style, refinement and safety. It goes into production later this year, building on the space, comfort and efficiency that have made Traverse popular.

“The new Traverse is a family vehicle without compromise,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. “It is more capable than many sport-utility vehicles, with as much room as a minivan and better functionality than both. The Traverse is clever, capable and confident – and there when you need it most.”

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities.

The front features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan. The new design captures the overall character of Chevy’s new car lineup, for a consistent family resemblance.

“We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details,” said Phillip Zak, GM director of exterior design. “The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives.”

At the rear, redesigned lamps and the license plate pocket are positioned in the new liftgate for a sportier look.

New family gathering space

Space is the hallmark of the Traverse interior. With its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment, the 2013 Chevy Traverse builds on these established attributes by offering an interior environment with new features and refined appointments.

Upgraded materials include soft-touch surfaces on the instrument panel and front door uppers, contrasting stitching, chrome and silver accents, and available blue ambient lighting that flows through the cabin.

A new center stack showcases a 6.5-inch color touch radio with the available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. MyLink allows customers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for hands-free calling through the audio system and Bluetooth streaming of popular internet radio favorites Pandora and Stitcher. The center stack also has large and illuminated climate controls that are easier to use and have a more upscale feel.

The front seats now feature articulating head restraints that can be adjusted up or down and fore and aft for greater comfort. The eight-way power passenger seat includes leather trim. New wood trim treatments are standard on LT and LTZ.

Adding to the overall feel of quality, the fit and finish of the interior panels have been improved on all models. The new Traverse will come with three interior color choices, in cloth or leather, including Ebony and Mojave, Light Titanium and Dark Titanium, and Ebony.

Passes the parent test

The Traverse passes the parent test with three rows of seating standard on all models, flexible seating configurations, class-leading people and cargo-carrying capacity, and family-friendly entertainment and other features.

Traverse’s second-row seat comes with a pair of captain’s chairs or a three-passenger bench. Each incorporates Traverse’s child-friendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that enables unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand – and is easy for children to operate.  

The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Traverse’s 24.4 cu. ft. (691 liters) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than many full-size utility vehicles. Traverse also has easy-to-operate safety belts, up to 12 cup holders and an available rear-seat entertainment system.

Efficient power and car-like ride

Traverse has a long 118.9-inch (3,019 mm) wheelbase, with a wide 67.8-inch (1,721 mm) front track and 67.4-inch (1,712 mm) rear track – a combination that enables smooth, stable ride and handling characteristics.

Efficiency in the Traverse comes from a technically advanced 3.6L V-6 with fuel-saving direct injection technology and continuously variable valve timing.  It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission with improved shift feel that results in more confident acceleration when the driver needs additional power to enter the highway or pass another motorist. 

The engine is SAE-certified at 288 horsepower (215 Nm) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm) with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm with single exhaust). Its direct injection fuel delivery helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline.

The transmission controls have been revised to provide quicker and more consistent shifts. Along with additional transmission hardware changes, the Traverse is expected to continue to deliver among the best fuel economy ratings of any eight-passenger (FWD) utility vehicle.

Ride and handling improvements have been made through the use of rebound springs in the front struts that increase roll control. New shock valving has been employed for low-velocity control to deliver a smoother ride at lower speeds.

The available intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides increased traction on slippery roads by actively managing the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, based on factors such as wheel speed, throttle and surface conditions. There is no driver intervention; the system automatically decides how much torque to apply and delivers it to the wheels that have the best traction.

Traverse maintains capability to deliver improved ride and handling, offering utility-like towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds (2,358 kg).

Smart and safe family hauler

The Traverse is among the safest vehicles on the road today, previously earning top honors and recognition from leading third-party organizations and in government crash testing.

For 2013 it enhances its safety reputation with the industry’s first front center air bag. It is engineered to provide additional restraint to drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes, where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

When a severe impact occurs, the air bag deploys in milliseconds from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants.

“While no restraint technology or feature can address all body areas or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to address field-relevant, side-impact crashes that are not addressed by current regulatory or consumer metric test conditions,” said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. “It works with the vehicle’s other air bags, safety belts and structure to deliver a safer occupant environment.”

Additional safety and security features:

• Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems (standard on LTZ) use radar to watch spots the driver may not see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.
• Standard head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for outboard occupants in all seating rows. In addition to providing protection in moderate-to-severe side crashes, the roof-mounted head curtain air bags will deploy in a rollover to help provide increased occupant protection and containment.
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology is standard on all models and incorporates full-function traction control.
• Standard rearview camera system is designed to provide the driver with added capability to view what is in the rearward path of the vehicle.
• Standard four-wheel-disc brake system with ABS featuring smooth, quiet operation, longer pad life and more resistance to brake pulsation.
• Safety belt pretensioners reduce forward movement during a collision, and are standard on the front safety belts, along with load-limiting retractors that help limit the belts’ impact on the occupants’ chest. The dynamic locking latch plate locks to hold the occupants’ pelvis in place.
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat attachment system is included in outboard second-row seating positions.
• Tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models.
• Strong body structure to absorb crash energy and provide a protective “safety cage” around occupants.
• Standard hill start assist brakes help reduce the tendency of a vehicle to roll forward or backward on a hill after the brake pedal is released by momentarily retaining pressure on the brake discs.

OnStar Features

OnStar is standard on all Traverse models. It uses GPS and cellular phone technology to automatically call for help in the event of a crash. OnStar subscribers also can use the service to be Good Samaritans by sending help to other motorists, and to call for help in other non-crash emergencies.

• OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada.
• Six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service with Turn-by-Turn Navigation for easier route guidance comes on all Traverse models. The feature is easy to use because all directions are sent to the car by an advisor, without the need to stop. Turn-by-Turn can be cost-effective, since map updates and aftermarket navigation systems are not needed.
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance helps police track the vehicle.
• OnStar Mobile App allows owners with Android™ or Apple™ smart phones to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock doors and view vital vehicle information such as tire pressure, fuel tank level, range, remaining oil life, etc.

For 2013, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It is built in Lansing, Mich. Pricing is not announced.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Courtesy of ChevroletNews

Owning a Chevy Volt would sure have made Algebra a lot easier!

Spring Potholes No Match for Chevrolet Cruze

Even with a mild winter in many parts of the country, potholes are a rite of spring. But it is simulated cracks and craters in the pavement developed by General Motors’ engineers that help develop the ride quality of vehicles like the global Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.

The buildup of moisture in the small holes and cracks in the road during the winter months alternates between freezing and thawing as temperatures fall and rise, causing expansion and contraction of the road surface. The result can be significant breaks in the pavement under the weight of normal vehicle traffic. 

The potholes at GM’s Milford Proving Ground don’t look like the ones drivers encounter on daily commutes. These are specially designed, fabricated in metal and planted into the ground with concrete surface around them.  The downslope and the ramp up in these engineered potholes vary to simulate severity of road damage and recreate varied load conditions that occur in a vehicle when it is driven through one.

The designer potholes allow for controlled, repetitive testing, necessary to assess durability and help determine the fine tuning that contributes to a comfortable ride.

The Cruze, which has sold more than 1.13 million units in more than 100 markets around the world since its launch in late 2009, underwent extensive road testing around the world to ensure consistent ride quality and comfort from Korea to Kansas and points between.  

“We’ve got a wide variety of road surfaces that simulate real-world road conditions around the globe,” says Frank Barhorst, who supervises the Product Usage Measurements and Applications group in Milford.  “The range of road surfaces that we test on goes from good to bad, in order to find the most-balanced condition for each vehicle we develop.”

“For durability, we might want roads with potholes or twist events. For noise, it could be chatter bumps on a dirt road, or concrete that is getting old and bald. Then there are considerations such as loose gravel for handling,” said Barhorst.

The Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling nameplate and helped the brand sell more passenger cars than any automaker in the United States in 2011. 

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Courtesy of Media.GM

Chevy Sonic Turbo Now Available with Six-Speed Automatic

The Chevrolet Sonic’s fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission, bringing the increased torque of turbocharging to drivers of automatics.

“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”

Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission achieved a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, according to independent AMCI testing – faster than the comparable 2012 Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination went from 0 to 60 in about eight seconds.

“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”

The 2012 Chevy Sonic Ecotec 1.4L turbo six-speed automatic delivers an EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg in the city, while the manual gets 40 mpg on the highway and 29 in the city.

To learn more about the all-new Sonic, visit the Chevy Sonic Facebook page; follow on Twitter at @ChevyLife or check out letsdothis.com.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Courtesy of GM.Media

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Novato Chevrolet - (5) Star Review on Yelp

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Chevrolet to Debut All-New Impala and Traverse in New York

The total transformation of the Chevrolet passenger car lineup advances with the debut of the all-new 2014 Impala full-size sedan at the New York International Auto Show next month. Chevrolet will also showcase a more-refined version of the family-friendly Traverse crossover utility vehicle for 2013.

“The momentum at Chevrolet continues to build with the debut of the 10^th generation of the Impala, one of the brand’s most enduring and cherished nameplates,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. “The new Impala further strengthens Chevrolet’s passenger car lineup by giving consumers a full-size sedan that balances the desire for distinction with engaging driving dynamics.”

The Impala nameplate was introduced in 1958 and has been one of Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger cars for decades. The all-new version of the Impala builds on that strong heritage.

With the introduction of the new Impala, Chevrolet has revamped nearly every passenger car in the lineup in the past 24 months. The new cars helped Chevrolet become the top-selling passenger car brand in the United States in 2011.

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse was designed to give families a new gathering space with elements of style and refinement inside and out, as well as new and industry-exclusive safety features.

Traverse is among the safest vehicles on the road today, previously earning top marks from leading third-party organizations and in government crash testing. For the 2013 model, the Traverse adds the industry’s first front center air bag. It is engineered to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. The air bag deploys in milliseconds and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants.

“The new Traverse builds on the success of the current model offering a wide variety of improvements to ride and handling, interior materials and exterior styling without compromising the functionality and capability families need to support their busy lives,” said Perry.

In addition to the new Impala and Traverse, other Chevrolet vehicles on display at New York include the new Malibu Eco, Spark mini car, Tru 140S and Code 130R concept vehicles and Corvette 427 Convertible with 60^th Anniversary package.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Courtesy of GM.Media

Chevrolet Corvette Inducted into Sebring Hall of Fame

The Chevrolet’s Corvette, the best-selling luxury performance car in the U.S., was inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame during the weekend.

Corvette first competed at Sebring in 1956 and since that year, 231 Corvettes have competed in the Twelve Hours of Sebring race, 24 of them scoring class or category victories in this legendary contest.

Seven of the Sebring wins were tallied by Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Corvette Racing finished strong in Sunday’s 60^th anniversary race, placing second and third in the GT Class.

“We are thrilled that Sebring has recognized the success of the Corvette on the race track by inducting it into the hall of fame,” said Russ Clark, Chevrolet marketing director for Performance Cars.

“Even more important than the awards and race wins are the benefits to our production vehicles as a result of our racing programs,” said Clark. “We have been successful at transferring racing technology to the street, especially in our high-performance vehicles such as the Corvette ZR1, Z06 and our carbon fiber models, including aerodynamic, powertrain, chassis, braking, safety and design features.”

Chevrolet is celebrating the 60^th anniversary of the Corvette with the 427 Convertible Collector Edition, as well as a special 60^th anniversary package that will be available on all 2013 models.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality.

Courtesy of GM.Media

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Novato Chevrolet - (5) Star Review on Yelp

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Discover the Many Shades of Chevrolet Green

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Chevrolet is wearing its own green, with a concept performance car that would make any enthusiast green with envy, an upcoming mini hatch that wears a hot Jalapeno paint finish, and fuel-sipping cars that save green at the pump.

• Hot Wheels Camaro Concept: Fulfilling the wish of every child who has ever played with one, the Chevrolet and Hot Wheels® Camaro Concept will return next month to the New York International Auto Show, following its debut last fall at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. It was inspired by the “Custom Camaro” – the dazzling green Spectraflame® 1:64-scale toy that was one of the original 16 Hot Wheels cars released in 1968. The finish was achieved using a meticulous, several-step process that included applying a liquid-metal solution and several layers of green tint.

• The Chevrolet Spark: Designed to challenge preconceived notions of how an affordable mini car can look, feel and drive, the Spark, which arrives in dealer showrooms this summer, features attention-grabbing exterior finishes including Jalapeno, Salsa, Denim, Lemonade and Techno Pink. A four-passenger, five-door hatch, Spark is designed to appeal to first-time buyers and city dwellers with its bold styling, affordability, 10 standard air bags, fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

• Fuel Sippers: Chevrolet offers a full line of cars with fuel-saving technologies that save consumers green at the pump – some with highway fuel economy of 37 or more mpg. They include the all-new Malibu Eco (37), new Sonic small car (40), Cruze compact car (38) and Cruze Eco (39). The Volt electric car combines pure electric drive and an efficient, range-extending engine to deliver a total EPA-estimated range of 379 miles.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Courtesy of GM.Media

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Chevrolet ‘Under the Blue Arch’ Ads Inspired by ‘The Office’ – Video

Michael Scott and Jim Halpert won’t be selling you a Chevrolet, but the brand’s new advertising campaign is borrowing some comic influence from Randall Einhorn, director of The Office.

“The automotive retail advertising landscape is very crowded, so you have to find a way to break through,” said Joel Ewanick, GM vice president and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Humor is a great educator and this campaign is designed to grab people’s attention, tweak their funny bone and get them to consider Chevrolet.”

Dubbed “Under the Blue Arch,” the new local dealer advertising campaign will feature a 30-second retail format with a recurring cast set in a new Chevy dealership meant to mimic the TV series.

The cast of the commercials is a “made for TV” dealership family, with characters ranging from a former radio host turned salesman to a top-selling single mother.

The first of these ads is available after the break, and shows the cast involved in a Nerf Gun fight, what they call a “typical pre-work team building exercise at Under the Blue Arch.”

Courtesy of AutoGuide

CAPTION THE PHOTO: What do you think this giraffe would be saying, fans?

Chevrolet Looks to Conference Goers for Design Input

Chevrolet is asking the influencers and trendsetters attending the South by Southwest (SXSW) interactive, film and music festival to help design the interior of its latest concept cars, the Tru 140S and the Code 130R. SXSW is the first of many non-automotive venues where Chevrolet will ask buyers to share their ideas for these vehicles.

Targeted for the Millennial age group, Chevrolet wants its latest concept cars to reach the next generation of buyers. Over the past year, Chevrolet has engaged with young consumers across the United States to better understand the styling and functionality they desire, and the company plans to use crowd-sourcing kiosks at auto shows and events around the country to continue gather input.

“There are more than 80 million American consumers approaching 30 years old, and they represent 40 percent of today’s potential car buyers – this is a tremendous opportunity for Chevrolet,” said Christopher Perry, vice president Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. “We want to build authentic and meaningful relationships with these customers on their terms. We want to hear what they have to say, engage them in our design process and give them what they want – not what we think they want.”

For more information about the Tru 140S and the Code 130R, and to share feedback, visit Chevrolet’s Facebook page. To see what Chevrolet is up to in Austin, visit Chevy.com/SXSW for regularly updated videos and photos from SXSW. Chevrolet will also be active on Twitter @ChevyLife and Facebook.com/Chevrolet sharing updates from the festival. Join the conversation at #ChevySXSW.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Courtesy of Media.GM

CAPTION THE PHOTO: Share your best title with us, fans! Looks like this guy could use a ride with about three more wheels, what car do you think he would look best in?

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Chevrolet Vehicles Deliver Scene-Stealing Performances

Chevrolet’s performance cars, Corvette and Camaro, play a leading role with consumers on the road and on the silver screen.  Like Hollywood’s most versatile character actors, the Corvette and Camaro have delivered scene-stealing performances in memorable films, including:

• A customized 1964 Corvette plays a prominent role in the 1964 box-office hit, Viva Las Vegas, starring Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret, about Lucky Jackson and his efforts to race in the city’s first Grand Prix. It is considered one of Presley’s finest performances and was the debut of a chart-topping hit of the same name.
• A red Corvette Stingray stars alongside Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges in the 1973 bio-pic Last American Hero, which chronicles the rise of Junior Jackson from nothing to the highest level in stock car racing.
• The smooth-talking Eric “Otter” Stratton played by Tim Matheson in the 1978 cult classic National Lampoon’s Animal House drives a 1959 Corvette.
• Dolly Parton is seen in a 1968 Camaro in the 1982 film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, which also starred Burt Reynolds.
• Sean Penn, as the character Jeff Spicoli, famously wrecked a 1968 Camaro Z28 in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
• In the 1987 film Less Than Zero starring Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Gertz and Andrew McCarthy showcases a 1959 Corvette Convertible.
• A 1978 Camaro appears in the 1993 film version of the famous Saturday Night Live skit Coneheads starring Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin.
• In the 2002 Adam Sandler movie Mr. Deeds, the lead character rewards each of the citizens of his hometown for their continued friendship with shiny new red 2002 Corvette Convertibles.
• Animated versions of the Corvette have been cast as characters in both Disney-Pixar animated films Toy Story 3 (2010) and Cars 2 (2011).
• Both the Camaro as Bumblebee and the Corvette Stingray concept are heavily featured in the 2011 action thriller TRANSFORMERS:Dark of the Moon. Two Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition vehicles were offered by Chevrolet that sold about 3,000 units, transferring the big screen appeal to the roadway.

Courtesy of GeneralMotorsMedia

OnStar Technology Wins Stevie Award for Helping Motorists

Anyone who has pressed the OnStar button and spoken to someone on the other end knows how helpful these advisors can be, but the hardware behind the button is what makes the connection possible.

For the second consecutive year, OnStar was awarded a Stevie Award, this time for “Best Use of Technology in Customer Service.” OnStar won a Stevie in 2011 for Customer Service Department of the Year in Telecommunications.

OnStar has significantly enhanced the customer’s experience in the last year. OnStar For My Vehicle (FMV) was introduced last July, enabling 100 million other drivers to add OnStar service though an aftermarket rearview mirror.

OnStar also expanded the way drivers can get directions, by adding the option to send a destination from their smartphone to their vehicle using the OnStar RemoteLink App. Also, OnStar Emergency Advisors began receiving Emergency Medical Dispatch training, so they can provide critical medical advice to victims while they wait for help to arrive on scene.

More than 3 million calls are received by OnStar advisors every month. The most popular service requests are for:

• Turn-by-Turn Navigation: more than 2 million requests per month
• Remote Door Unlocks: nearly 60,000 requests per month
• On-demand Vehicle Diagnostic updates: about 55,700 requests per month

Additionally, OnStar also sends more than 4 million Vehicle Diagnostic emails to customers every month.

Subscriber Samantha Carroll recently relied on OnStar’s navigation to help her in an emergency. Her 4-year-old son had just fallen and received a deep gash in his forehead which required stitches immediately.

“Since this was the first emergency I ever had with my son, I was a nervous wreck,” said Carroll. “I had no clue how to get to the ER. So thank God, I was able to get in the car and I was able to have [OnStar] download the directions for me as I was already on the road. I was so flustered that I doubt I would have had time or been able to log on to my computer and look up directions.

“It’s nice to talk to someone, in case you’re confused, lost or in an emergency,” she said. “I think I will always be a subscriber.”

Courtesy of GMNewsUS

Get a first look at the Chevy Cruze station wagon! What do you think fans?

‘Under the Blue Arch’ to Debut in Chevy Dealer Group Ads

Chevrolet is breaking ranks with the stale tradition of local advertising and opting for some entertainment via a TV show built around likeable but quirky characters who work in a Chevy dealership. The story, however, is told in a series of 30-second commercials.

The new local dealer advertising campaign, which begins airing Thursday (March 1), is titled “Under the Blue Arch.” It’s directed by Randall Einhorn, whose credits include directing “The Office,” “Modern Family,” “Parks and Recreation,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Wilfred.”

The show is a 30-second retail format featuring a consistent cast of characters – from the former radio host turned salesman to the top-selling single mom – set in a new Chevy dealership. The “made for TV” dealership family will be featured in local dealership group advertising and portray the brand’s new look and feel.

“The automotive retail advertising landscape is very crowded, so you have to find a way to break through,” said Joel Ewanick, GM vice president and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Humor is a great educator and this campaign is designed to grab people’s attention, tweak their funny bone and get them to consider Chevrolet.”

Filming for the ad campaign took place in a Chevrolet dealership in Southern California in early January, but is designed to be location neutral with a fictional town and dealership name to be discovered by those interested in the show. During 10 days of filming, Einhorn and Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Chevrolet’s advertising agency in the United States, created numerous video vignettes which form the basis for the ad series.

“The dealership and each of its characters represents the Chevrolet brand, which are friendly people in a comfortable and inviting surrounding,” said Ralph Watson of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. “Randall and the cast brought the store to life in a way only they can – by thorough preparation and thoughtful choices for improvisation. Over the course of rehearsing, they became their characters.”

The filming produced extra material that will be used to seed the “back story” of the new guy, Kyle, “from down in Ft. Wayne,” and reveal some of the relationships of the people working there while hinting at future plot lines.

Cast/Character Bio's:

Tim:  From Flint, Mich., and known as "The boss." Tim's dad was a car man. He came in to work with his Dad after college and has been there ever since. He’s been married for 30 years, with two grown children. Son is in the military. Daughter is married with two kids.

Kyle: Hails from Fort Wayne, Ind., and is "The new guy." Kyle has always been a Chevy guy. Still has the first Chevy truck, which he inherited from his uncle Jim. It is immaculate other than the "Got Ultimate?" Frisbee bumper sticker. Kyle used to have a radio show back in Ft Wayne. Was kind of a big deal at his former dealership, where he was one of the top salesmen, but his heart was not really in it. Now he is where he wants to be and he is determined to fit in, make sales and make this home.

Rich: Of Detroit is the store’s "Top Gun." He is self-proclaimed “top salesman” and best friend to Gerry, who also claims to be “top salesman.” He and Gerry think they are Navy pilots "Maverick" and "Iceman" from the 1986 movie “Top Gun,” but they are actually more like sidekicks "Goose” and "Cougar." Rich is divorced and lives close to his son Trevor, whose little league team he coaches. His Chevrolet dealership is sponsor to the team who is almost undefeated. Tim thinks that they can spin this into something.

Gerry: From Cincinnati, Gerry loves his family, his job and his buddy Rich. He is absolutely stoked with his life. He has everything he has ever wanted and wakes each and every day looking forward to it. He has four kids and a wife that loves him. This is his dream job and one day he, like his buddy Rich, knows he will become manager one day. He loves to B-B-Q and considers himself a grill master. He is also excited to be testing for his orange belt in karate soon. Eye of the Tiger!

Robyn: A Chicago native, Robyn is actually top gun, the top sales person in the dealership. She has nothing to prove as her numbers speak for themselves. She is a single mother of Michael, who she adores and does her best to raise. She is strong and confident. She lights up the room and loves to laugh. That said, she is busy and needs to focus on the task at hand and keep the guys focused.

Kelly: From Orlando, she is single and happy to have her first job with this Chevrolet store.

Brian: Brother, of Tim and head of the service department. Like a zoo keeper who is great with animals, Brian is great with machines. He has an innate technical understanding of the mechanics of the cars and trucks, but he’s just not a real people person. He chose early on to work with machines over people.

Porter: He’s actually a porter.  Porter is a local college grad, essentially Tim 30 years ago but he identifies more with Brian.

 

Courtesy of GeneralMotors