September 29, 2006
Chevrolet Launches New 2007 Silverado "Our Country. Our Truck." Marketing Campaign
Featuring John Mellencamp's new song, "Our Country"
DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Chevrolet announced plans for a multi-media marketing campaign in support of their all-new, 2007 Silverado full-size pickup. The integrated campaign employs both traditional and non-traditional elements and debuts with high-impact print inserts in USA Today on Sep. 29 followed by television spots on Sep. 30.
An extension of the "An American Revolution" campaign, the new Silverado advertising, themed “Our Country. Our Truck.”, embodies the spirit of the American pickup owner and reinforces Chevy’s positioning as the maker of the most dependable, longest lasting trucks on the road.
“The research behind this new truck confirmed what we’ve seen for decades. Chevrolet buyers remain hard-working, loyal and dependable. While they would never say so, the people who know Silverado owners see them as ‘everyday heroes,’ they are family men as well as firemen,” says Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. “This new marketing campaign celebrates the connection our truck buyers have to their families and their country, while acknowledging that they want and need a truck as dependable as they are,” continued Peper. “American pickup owners recognize that we have a proud legacy building trucks, we’ve been doing it for 89 years, and we’re proud to deliver an all-new Silverado that will once again set the benchmark with segment-leading power and fuel economy,” Peper said.
The advertising will feature new music from American music legend John Mellencamp. Mellencamp’s, "Our Country" anthem combines the power of his convictions with the essence of the American experience to provide the perfect backdrop for the new Silverado campaign. “ About a year ago, I wrote this song to tell a story about some of the challenges our country faces and how our beliefs and ideals can help us meet them. This partnership with Chevy – an American company that is creating jobs and supporting our communities – makes perfect sense for a song that is all about standing up for the working people who are the backbone of our nation,” said Mellencamp. The agreement to use Mellencamp's song runs at least through 2007.
The campaign was developed by Campbell-Ewald, one of Chevrolet’s agencies of record. Bill Ludwig, vice chairman, chief creative officer at Campbell-Ewald said that while the agency was working on a campaign to position the new Silverado as the pure American truck, John Mellencamp shared a demo of his new song “Our Country” with him. “I knew the minute I heard the song that it would be the music for the next epic Silverado campaign,” Ludwig said. “We hope that ’Our Country. Our Truck.’ will inspire people to think, ’Yeah. These are the bruises and scars that have shaped our nation, and we have rebuilt ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically,’” he continued.
Chevrolet’s marketing efforts kick-off at the State Fair of Texas on September 27, where Silverado 200,000 Mile Club members will help unveil the all-new, Silverado to the public. From there, a caravan of Silverados from across the generations, led by its newest member, will embark on a 3-day journey to Camden, New Jersey, site of this year’s Farm Aid concert event. Chevy Silverado’s “Drive for Farm Aid” will make three stops for street parties in Nashville, Indianapoli s and Pittsburgh. Along the way, the caravan will raise funds for Farm Aid and collect non-perishable food items. Farm Aid is an organization whose mission is to support local farmers and John Mellencamp is one of its founding fathers.
Silverado’s launch campaign will include sponsorship of iconic media properties like the World Series and the Country Music Awards. Chevy will also present NBC’s new Sunday Night Football in America with a 90-second opening spot celebrating America ’s passion for the game.
The campaign will also feature a 28-minute infomercial narrated by Football great, Howie Long, and custom-published 24-page print onserts, an automotive industry first, that will be included in “polybags” along with popular magazine titles like Motor Trend,Field and Stream and Popular Science. These longer-format market pieces, along with in-depth information available online at chevy.com, will provide the comprehensive product review that in-market truck buyers are looking for.
“We’re excited about the truly integrated campaign we’ve put together,” Peper notes. “We’re using some new ways to engage consumers and share the Silverado story, but all campaign components come together around the theme of the everyday American hero and his truck.”
Communications directed to Hispanic consumers are an important part of the new Silverado’s marketing launch and dedicated Hispanic advertising will break on October 21 during the World Series. The campaign recognizes the strong contributions Hispanics have made to American culture over the years. Information about the Hispanic campaign will be shared at a later date.
About Chevrolet Silverado
Silverado is Chevy’s highest volume vehicle. In 2005 Chevrolet sold 705,000 Silverado pickups. The all-new, 2007 Silverado leads the light duty, full-size pickup segment in power and fuel economy. In 2006, Chevrolet Silverado won the “ Highest Ranked Large Pickup in Initial Quality” in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. There are over 4,000 Chevrolet dealers in the U.S. to service and sell the all-new, 2007 Silverado.
Posted by Frank at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)
General Motors Contributes Fuel Cell Vehicle To U.S. Postal Service's Irvine, California Fleet
General Motors has donated a GM HydroGen3 fuel cell minivan to be added to the U.S. Postal Service’s Irvine, California, fleet—marking the first time a fuel cell vehicle will be used for mail delivery on the West Coast.
The new vehicle is part of an extended agreement between GM and the U.S. Postal Service to continue to test and validate the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system in real world driving conditions.
Posted by Frank at 04:05 PM | Comments (0)
Chevy Introduces All-New 2007 Silverado With Cross-Country Drive To Farm Aid
Four Concert Stops Planned During 2,800-Mile Trip From Texas to New Jersey
DETROIT – Introducing the newest generation of the longest-lasting pickup truck on the road calls for something big. That’s why Chevrolet is launching the new 2007 Silverado with a 2,800-mile Chevy Silverado Drive for Farm Aid, highlighted by four free concerts featuring top country musicians and culminating at the Farm Aid 2006 Presented by Silk Soymilk concert in Camden, N.J., on Sept. 30.
Kicking off with a concert featuring Montgomery Gentry at the State Fair of Texas Fairgrounds near Dallas on Sept. 27, the Silverado Drive for Farm Aid will present concerts featuring Phil Vassar in Nashville on Sept. 28 and Montgomery Gentry in Indianapolis on Sept. 28 and Pittsburgh on Sept. 29before making its final stop at Farm Aid. Visitors to the Nashville, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh concerts also can enter to win a trip for two to Nashville for the 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards on Nov. 6. One winner will be selected on Oct. 6 from each of the Nashville, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh concerts.
“We can’t think of a better way to introduce the all-new 2007 Silverado than to drive the trucks through the heartlandto enjoy some great country music and help raise money for Farm Aid,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The Silverado, family farms and country music share deep, strong roots in America, and we want to celebrate that legacy. By lending our support to Farm Aid, we’re helping to preserve family farm-centered agriculture in America.”
Concerts in the Silverado Drive for Farm Aid are free, but concertgoers are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or make cash donations to Farm Aid.
“From Texas to New Jersey, the Silverado Drive for Farm Aid will help raise funds for Farm Aid and help promote food from family farms,” said Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid. “The vistas of fields and farms that America sees from the highway constantly remind us that food from family farms depends on keeping families on the land.”
Along with a chance to see and experience the all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado, concertgoers can view Chevy pickups dating back to the 1930s that are part of the Chevy Silverado Drive for Farm Aid. In addition, members of the Chevy Silverado 200K Mile Club have been invited to join the trip.
“We are excited to help launch the new Silverado,” said Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry. Band mate Eddie Montgomery added: “ Supporting family farmers has always been important to us. Our farmers feed the world, and it is important to maintain that tradition.”
About Chevrolet Silverado
Silverado is Chevy’s highest-volume vehicle, with 2005 sales of 705,000. The all-new, 2007 Silverado leads the light-duty, full-size pickup segment in power and fuel economy. In 2006, Chevrolet Silverado was the highest-ranked full-size pickup in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. There are more than 4,000 Chevrolet dealers in the U.S. to service and sell the all-new, 2007 Silverado, which features GM’s exclusive five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
About Chevrolet
Chevrolet is one of America's most well-known and successful automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. In addition, Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $52,000. Offering dynamic yet timeless designs, Chevy owners demand great looks that don’t go out of style, high performance per dollar, and features expected in more expensive vehicles.
Chevrolet’s global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit. For more information, go to www.chevy.com.
About Farm Aid
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on their land. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001. Farm Aid raises awareness about the critical role of family farms and has raised more than $29 million to build and strengthen family farm food production. Between 1985 and 2005, 80 percent of Farm Aid’s total expenditures was spent on programs to benefit family farmers, exceeding charity watchdog standards. Through public education, program activities and grants, Farm Aid promotes food from family farms and sustainable agriculture, fights factory farms, advocates for fair farm prices and provides disaster assistance and credit counseling to farm families.
Posted by Frank at 03:57 PM | Comments (0)
First Award Winner of No. 29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge Announced
Grand Blanc, Mich. – Kevin Harvick’s recent performances in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series have paid off in more ways than one.
By virtue of his win at the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Sept. 9 - which clinched Harvick's status in the 2006 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup - GM Goodwrench and Chevrolet are awarding Chris Heikkuri of Holly, Mich., an all new 2007 Chevy Avalanche today at Al Serra Chevrolet in Grand Blanc, Mich., as part of the No. 29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge.
“I’m always happy to share a race win with our loyal fans, so it’s pretty cool that we can give Chris a brand new Chevy”, said Harvick. “There are still plenty more Avalanches to give away if I can win one more of the Challenge races. Hopefully, we can make it happen.”
In addition to his four NEXTEL Cup Series wins this season, which elevated him to the top of the point’s standings for the first time in his career earlier this month, Harvick is also dominating the NASCAR Busch Series standings with six wins in 2006, leading to a season where he’s been at the top of the standings since the second race of the season.
“Not only has the No. 29 team begun the Chase in strong fashion, they’ve also allowed us to award a 2007 Chevy Avalanche to Chris as our first Expertise Challenge winner”, said Jim Moloney, general director of marketing, GM Service and Parts Operations. “Kevin and the entire Richard Childress Racing organization have done an outstanding job this season. We know the team is hungry for more wins during the Chase, so we’re hoping Kevin can finish up front again and complete the Expertise Challenge for us on his way to capturing the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup championship.”
With a second race win by the No. 29 GM Goodwrench team in one of the five remaining Expertise Challenge races, 29 grand prize packages will be awarded including: a 2007 Chevy Avalanche, a $1,000 GM vehicle maintenance certificate from Goodwrench and a trunk full of Reese’s products.
Remaining Expertise Challenge races in 2006 include: the Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 1; the Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Oct. 14; the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 5; the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 12; and the Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway on Nov. 19.
Following a second Challenge race win, GM Goodwrench will also establish a $200,000 scholarship fund to encourage young men and women to pursue careers as automotive technicians. The GM Goodwrench Scholarship Fund will be used to provide tuition assistance to Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) high school students who choose to continue their automotive technical education by attending GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) colleges.
Fans can participate in the Expertise Challenge by visiting a participating Chevrolet dealership to obtain an entry ticket with an official promotion code or visit goodwrench.com/expert to obtain a one-time virtual promotion code. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win. Complete program rules and award details are available at: www.goodwrench.com/expert.
Plus, all Expertise Challenge participants and GM customers can celebrate Kevin Harvick's hot streak with a Championship Service Offer. Through the remainder of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship competition, any visitor to www.Goodwrench.com can download a $10 mail-in rebate for customer-paid Goodwrench service on a GM vehicle from a participating GM Goodwrench dealership in the United States .
GM Goodwrench is the service brand for GM vehicles - Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, HUMMER, Cadillac. With dealerships located nationwide and over 60,000 professionally trained service personnel, the GM Goodwrench network is one of the largest automotive full-service providers in the industry. GM Goodwrench technicians receive specialized training from General Motors to provide expert care for GM cars and trucks. Genuine GM replacement parts are manufactured to the same specifications of the GM vehicle. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench web site at www.goodwrench.com.
Posted by Frank at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)
The Chromin' Empire is Conquering Fashionable Vehicle Owners Everywhere
DETROIT - Just as a gleaming piece of jewelry can transform an outfit from drab to fab, an increasing number of vehicle owners are using chrome to personalize their cars and trucks and make a rolling fashion statement.
That statement can be as subtle as the simple, elegant addition of a few polished chrome door handles; or as bold as a bumper-to-bumper, heavy-metal extravaganza of sparkling, 22-inch plus-sized wheels; grille inserts; tubular assist steps; brush grille guards; fuel filler door covers; exhaust tips and more.
"The beauty of chrome is that you can dress up your vehicle to fit your taste, your style and your budget, whether you drive an economy sedan, a family SUV or a high-performance roadster," said Nancy Phillippart, executive director, GM Accessories, which sells a complete range of accessories through the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn brands. "Chrome can be a great, cost-effective way to personalize a vehicle."
Sales of chrome accessories are in overdrive. According to Phillippart, GM's chrome accessories business jumped 73 percent from 2004 to 2005.
"The advantage of GM's chrome wheels and accessories," said Phillippart, "is that an accessory design integration process unique to GM ensures the most accurate fit and finish and most tailored appearance, attributes customers want when personalizing a vehicle." For more on GM's accessories design studio, click here.
Chrome sweet chrome
After years of being relegated to the automotive has-been junkyard, the resurgence in chrome is due, in part, to style influencers such as athletes, celebrity tuners and rap artists who began using chrome to add "bling" - slang terminology for jewelry - to their production vehicles, said Kip Wasenko, GM director of specialty vehicle design.
Wasenko said the use of gleaming metal finishes to lend exclusivity to a vehicle dates to the early 1900s, when high-end coach builders used brass and, later, nickel brightwork embellishments.
In 1929, one of those high-end coach builders, Cadillac, which later became a GM brand, was the first to adopt chrome plating - a technique that goes back to the ancient Romans - as standard on its cars. The 1931 Cadillac V-16, still regarded as one of the finest luxury cars ever built, featured a distinctive chrome wire mesh grille that has influenced countless other grilles since, including those on the current Cadillac V-series performance lineup.
"Chrome may come and go, but it will always be part of our brand heritage," said Wasenko, who expects to see tons of chrome at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. "It will never really go out of style."
Chrome finishes are achieved by applying a 'plate,' or coat, of metal to a base surface: Louis-Nicholas Vauquelin is credited with discovering chromium oxide in 1797 and preparing the metal itself the following year. But according to historians, the ancient Romans had a head start on Vauquelin, soldering silver plates to articles made of base metals to protect themselves in battle.
The heyday of chrome is considered to be from postwar 1946 through most of the Baby Boom to 1960. After a decade and a half of glorious chrome bumpers; wheel covers; mirror caps; and interior and exterior trim and tail fins, chrome took a back seat in the 1970s when fuel economy regulations forced designers to take weight out of cars and tastes gravitated toward European-inspired body-color and blacked-out trim. Chrome's reputation for being a fussy finish that pitted and peeled didn't help.
Thanks to improvements in the plating and polishing technology, chrome from quality sources can keep a showroom gleam for years if maintained properly.
"When customers purchase chrome wheels and other chrome accessories developed by GM, they can be assured that what they buy is subjected to the same rigorous quality standards as our original equipment parts," said Phillippart.
In fact, because they meet GM's rigorous standards for safety and durability, all accessories offered by GM brands are backed by the promise of a General Motors warranty. Accessories permanently installed on a new GM vehicle at the time of delivery are covered under the GM New Vehicle Limited Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty, and can be included in the financing of the vehicle, making them both convenient and affordable. GM accessories permanently installed by a GM dealer after vehicle purchase are covered for the balance of the new vehicle warranty, and no less than 12 months or 12,000 miles.
GM Accessories' chrome portfolio
Regular and plus-size accessory wheels constitute GM's biggest entry in the chrome market. By the end of 2006, GM will have more than 50 accessory wheel and TPC tire systems for more than 35 GM vehicles. Among GM's accessory wheel customers, chrome wheels are preferred across all segments by a wide margin.
"If you want to make the biggest impact with chrome, it's with big, plus-sized wheels," said Wasenko. "I saw a great-looking Cadillac Escalade the other day with a set of 22-inch chrome wheels - that would have been unheard of five years ago."
GM is a recognized leader in tire and wheel system engineering and development, creating the industry's first and only Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) rating, which helps vehicle owners choose tires designed to function with the vehicle's architecture to provide optimum ride, handling and safety.
GM Accessories wheels follow the same validation guidelines as original equipment wheels. Plus-size wheel and TPC tire systems meet or exceed federal requirements as well as GM's safety objectives. In fact, GM will not sell plus-size wheels if these requirements cannot be met. This provides customers peace of mind in knowing that their vehicle will not only look good, but perform the way it should.
Other GM accessory chrome touches include grille inserts; brush grille guards; fuel doors; mirror caps, door handles; tubular assist steps; molded hood protectors; exhaust tips; interior and exterior trim molding packages and taillamp guards. Availability varies by brand.
Chrome continues to evolve with the latest technology trend being "colored" chrome. Using various development methods, chrome can now be "dyed" or "tinted" with color, to add a distinctive look. Chevrolet's HHR will offer black chrome pieces, including 17-inch wheels, door handles, rear view mirror caps, and a rear beauty bar. These pieces will be available as part of a vehicle option package, or separately as Chevy Accessories.
About GM Accessories
GM sells divisionally branded accessories through its network of Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Saab and HUMMER dealerships. For more information about product offerings, please visit any GM divisional website (i.e. www.chevy.com, www.pontiac.com) or www.gmaccessorieszone.com.
Posted by Frank at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)
Last fan standing drives home the No. 48 Monte Carlo
Ten finalists vie for their chance to win a specially wrapped Monte Carlo opening day of State Fair of Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas - Contestants will vie for an opportunity to win a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that will carry the decal package of Team Chevy NASCAR star Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's NEXTEL Cup ride. Ten finalists will place their hands on the 2007 Monte Carlo beginning, Friday, September 29, for their chance to drive home the specially wrapped Monte Carlo. The contest is scheduled to begin on the opening day of the State Fair of Texas within the Chevrolet display and Test Drive area located near Gate 11.
The Jimmie Johnson "Hands On" Promotion offers a unique opportunity for one lucky entrant to win a new Chevy Monte Carlo in an endurance contest that culminates with literally a "last person standing" finale. Each finalist will place one designated hand on the car when the contest begins, and they must be standing and in continuous contact with the prize vehicle 24 hours per day, excluding sanctioned breaks. The last person standing with their hand on the '07 Monte Carlo, which has a retail value of $34,500, will take it home.
"I thought keeping my hands on the wheel of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet for three or so hours in a Cup race was hard work, but keeping your hand on the car for 24 hours or more will be quite a test of endurance. But considering the grand prize is a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, it will be well worth it," Johnson said. "With three great partners involved - Lowe's, Chevrolet and Texas Motor Speedway - you know this is going to be a good deal."
For those finalists who do not win the car, each will receive a prize package that consists of a Charbroil commercial grill, $100 Lowe's gift card, 1:24 scale die-cast Team 48 car signed by Johnson and a Team 48 cap.
Posted by Frank at 03:50 PM | Comments (0)
Top Ten Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2006
Regardless of whether your mode of transportation is a Schwinn, a Hummer H1, or a pair of worn-out Nikes, fuel-prices are hitting your wallet just like the rest of us.
When gas prices rise, everything else gets more expensive, and when cars start selling like hotcakes in rapidly expanding markets like China and India, demand usually dictates more pain at the pump.
This is especially painful for drivers who need a spacious and roomy vehicle such as SUVs, a ride that is typically unkind in its unquenchable thirst for petrol. Indeed, there are times when a Toyota Prius or a bus pass won’t do, so we’ve compiled a list of ten fuel-efficient, 2006 SUVs that are currently available, all boasting respectable EPA-rated fuel economy figures and more utility than a Little Red Wagon.
Each model on the list achieves at least 24 mpg in mixed driving when mated to an automatic transmission – the transmission type most consumer choose – and is ranked according to our editors’ recommendations and personal choices. According to the EPA, nine of the vehicles get 25 mpg combined or better, so to make this a proper Top 10 list, we voted in our favorite member of the 24-mpg club to round things out. All EPA data is current as of April 2006.
1st Place -- Toyota Rav4
If the name RAV4 brings to mind a small, awkwardly-designed, underpowered cute SUV, it’s time to visit your Toyota dealer to reboot your impression of this capable SUV. Redesigned for 2006, the RAV4 still falls to the feminine side of the gender scale, but it presents a more upscale look compared to the 2005 model and makes the impressive original look like a shop-class experiment.
Behind the sleek sheetmetal is a spacious cabin with seating for up to seven passengers, front- or all-wheel-drive capability, and a choice of powertrains. Base models, starting at a smidge below $22,000, are equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine pushing 166 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque that’s mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. In front-wheel-drive guise, this fuel-efficient version returns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined; add four-wheel drive and those figures change to 23 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. In addition, the base price rises by $1,400 with 4WD.
If that was the end of the story, the 2006 Toyota RAV4 would appear as a competent SUV with impressive fuel efficiency, though a little light on power for some tastes. However, there’s more to this little ‘ute, like an available 3.5-liter V6 pushing 269 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. Best of all, fuel economy closely mirrors that of the four-cylinder. With power going only to the front wheels, a RAV4 with the V6 is rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined; four-wheel-drive models are rated at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The base price of a four-wheel-drive Limited model with the six-cylinder engine is about $26,000, which makes the RAV4 about similar in price and economy to the Honda CR-V despite more than 100 extra horsepower.
2nd Place - Honda CR-V
3rd Place - Honda’s Element
4th Place - Subaru Outback
5th Place - Ford Escape Hybrid
6th Place - Subaru Forester
7th Place - Lexus RX 400h
8th Place - Mercury Mariner Hybrid
9th Place - Toyota Highlander Hybrid
10th Place - Chevrolet HHR
-- Kevin Hobbs
Posted by Frank at 03:39 PM | Comments (0)
How to Buy Classic Car Insurance
If you are fortunate enough to own a classic car - or any collectible automobile - then you want to ensure that your luck does not run out because of having inadequate insurance coverage. Call it covering your butt - or covering your "asset" - but by all means, call one of the major providers such as American Collectors, Haggerty, or Parish Heacock insurance companies and let them put you in the driver's seat in terms of professional protection of your cherished automotive investment.
How to Kick the Tires on Classic Car Insurance
The whole idea of insurance is that it needs to do what you expect of it in an emergency, when the rubber really hits the road. And classic car insurance is as different from conventional auto insurance as, well, a classic car is from your run of the mill generic vehicle.
When you buy a classic car insurance policy, you are essentially purchasing protection for those times when - God forbid and knock on wood it doesn't happen - disaster strikes in the form of a fire, a collision, or an act of theft or vandalism. Just as we now have modern airbags to save us in the event of a crash, we also have collector's car insurance, to protect us with adequate moneybags when calamity throws a wrench in the works.
The time you invest in choosing the right classic car insurance coverage is well worth the value and peace of mind that a quality collector's insurance policy delivers for owners of classic motor cars.
The Nuts and Bolts of Classic Car Insurance Coverage
Collector car insurance is not the same as the insurance you buy for normal coverage of your daily transportation. Collector car insurance, or classic car insurance, is made especially for the needs of the car collector. And while ordinary insurance does offer some protection, no matter what you drive, it can leave you high and dry in the event of a loss that it not effectively covered by the terms of the insurance contract.
For example, you may have a garage-kept Cadillac Sedan DeVille with swooping fins your grandparents bought for $7,000 brand new back in the 1960s. But dealers have offered you three times that much, and you saw another one sell at an auto show for $35,000. If you don't have special collector car insurance or classic car insurance, and the car is totaled, you will be lucky to get $7,000 for it. With depreciation calculated in, the insurance statisticians may decide that it is worth only half that much, or less, and you could wind up with two or three grand in exchange for your dream machine.
Stipulations or requirements normally encountered while shopping for collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
* A decent driving record.
* At least 10 years driving experience
* No teen drivers on the policy or drivers with poor driving records
* Secure and out of the weather garage
* Proof that you have another car for daily transportation
* Collector vehicle insurance is sometimes limited by the age of your car, and if your car is too young it may not qualify for a particular policy.
* Limited mileage. You probably don't want to drive your creampuff car all the time, and your insurance company doesn't want you to either. Mileage limits have increased recently, though, so if you can live with 250 miles a month you're probably okay.
Coverage with collector car insurance or classic car insurance:
Three kinds of value are important to understand when buying your policy.
1) Actual cash value:
This is what you usually get with ordinary insurance, and is based on replacement cost minus depreciation.
2) Stated value:
The insurance company pays up to the stated value of the car, but may not guarantee the full stated value. And deductibles of up to $1,000 usually apply.
3) Agreed value:
In most jurisdictions, those who provide collector car insurance or classic car insurance are allowed to insure for a value that you and your insurer agree upon. And for most autos, there is no deductible. If your $100,000 vintage Rolls get trashed, you get a check for 100 grand, plain and simple - which is exactly why collectors use special classic car insurance coverage.
Do a periodic review of your coverage limits, because classic car prices are rising. What you insured your cherry classic for ten years ago may be a fraction of what it's worth today. And if you are restoring a vehicle, ask your agent to give you appropriate insurance. There is no need to pay extra based on mileage statistics, if your car is up on blocks with no engine inside it. And as the car's value increases thanks to your hard work of restoring it, you should raise the coverage to keep up with the added value of the restoration.
Keep all your receipts and paperwork - for everything from parts and labor to expenses incurred to take it to a classic car show - so that you can document the total investment your collector's car represents. And take photos and keep them updated, for the same reason.
And Last But Not Least: Special Savings Opportunities
As long as you meet the criteria in terms of how you use and take care of the car, you can usually buy a policy.
Traditional insurers will either refuse coverage, offer only a replacement value based on the nuts and bolts (minus heavy depreciation) of the car, or will charge you a prohibitive amount for the premium. But many collectors find that special collector's coverage saves them money - as much as half - while insuring them for higher limits, sometime three or four times what a traditional company gave them.
Yes, it's possible to get collector's insurance coverage for full market value for your car, and save up to 50 percent off of the premium you'd pay with ordinary insurance. That makes classic car insurance a must-have for any serious car buff.
Below is information about three of the most reputable and dependable collectors and classic car insurance companies in the USA (All information listed below subject to change, please contact the insurance companies listed to be sure.):
Hagerty Insurance, P.O. Box 1303
Traverse City, MI 49685-1303
Email: auto@hagerty.com
Toll Free: 800-922-4050
Qualifications:
* Similar to the others listed below, but please contact Haggerty for details.
American Collectors Insurance, P.O. Box 8343
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Email: info@americancollectors.com
Toll Free: (800) 360-2277
Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information).
* At least 15 years old
* Garage-kept
* Driven on a limited, pleasure-only basis (up to 5,000 annual miles - available in most states)
You may also qualify by:
* Having at least 10 years driving experience
* Having a good driving record
* Having at least one "regular" vehicle for every licensed driver in the household
You may request a policy application either directly from American Collectors Insurance or through your local insurance agent (rates are the same either way).
Parish Heacock Classic Car Insurance, P.O. Box 24807
Lakeland, FL 33802-4807
Email: info@parishheacock.com
Toll free: (800) 678-5173
Qualifications (subject to change or regional laws so check with the company for specific up-to-date information):
* Each household member of driving age must have at least 10 years driving experience or be excluded.
* Each household member must have a regular use vehicle less than 15 years old that is insured with liability limits equal to or higher than the limits being applied for on the collectible vehicle.
* All licensed members of household and any other drivers of the vehicle must be listed on the application.
* Maximum of two accidents or violations in the household, maximum of one per licensed household member in past 3 years. No major violations permitted in past 5 years.
* A Driver Health Questionnaire must be completed for all drivers over 70 years old.
* Auto must be stored in a locked permanent garage facility when not driven.
* Auto may not be used for commuting to or from work or school, used for business purposes or as a substitute for another auto.
* Autos not covered while on a racetrack or when being used for: racing, speed, driver's education, or timed events.
* Must display pride of ownership: well maintained, in restored or well-preserved condition.
* Vehicles under restoration must be stored at residence or a restoration shop, with a target date for completion. Agreed value coverage is not available on cars under restoration. Eligibility subject to company review.
* Replica Vehicles and Pro Street vehicles are subject to company review.
* Trucks and Jeeps must be over 25 years old, and not be used for towing, hauling, off-road or utility use.
* Generally do not require appraisals, but may ask for one if vehicle value is difficult to determine.
--
Michael Modica is an avid muscle car fan. He appreciates all classic muscle, but his real passion is the Second Generation Chevrolet Camaro (1970 - 1981). Mike is the webmaster of NastyZ28.com as well as this reference site for automotive paint codes. He can be reached by email at mikem79@nastyz28.com.
Posted by Frank at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
Acura buying tips for 2007
Acura is one of the hottest selling car brands in the USA and many other countries. Although the competition on the car market is fierce, Honda’s luxury division has managed to seize an important segment of the auto industry, so its 2007 models are expected to take the quality even further. Here are a few tips for buying an Acura in 2007, together with a look at their future and current vehicle offer.
Acura RDX (2007)
Priced at $32,995, the 2007 Acura RDX is a medium sized SUV that is slightly smaller than the MDX. The main competitors for the RDX are X3 from BMW and the M Klass Mercedes, together with other mid-sized SUVs. The RDX seems to be a very good choice for a family car that also offers luxury and a bit of sportive feel.
Acura MDX (2007)
The impressive sales of the MDX are expected to rise even further in 2007. Coming from Honda’s luxury division, the car-based seven-passenger MDX will most likely have shoppers face waiting lists. The 2007 Acura MDX has some other impressive advantages – more power and improved stability on any terrain with Acura’s All-Wheel Drive system.
Acura RL (2007)
The 2007 model shifts some of the equipment that was previously considered standard to the options list, in an attempt to lower the overall base price of the RL. You will still get optional choices such as the rearview camera system or the traffic monitoring system.
Acura TL (2007)
The 2007 model receives a 3.5-liter V-6 with 286 horsepower in its Type-S performance edition. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is still not included with this model.
Acura TSX (2007)
Very similar to the European version (Honda Accord), the 2007 Acura TSX is a blend between the RSX and the TL performance sedan. Not a lot of changes accompany the 2007 TSX, but this is partly because there were no complaints with the earlier models.
Current vehicle offers from Acura
Acura MDX (2006)
With a price of $37,125 the 2006 MDX offers everything you might be looking for as far as luxury, safety and performance are concerned in an SUV. The 2006 MDX comes with the popular 4 wheel traction system that Acura fits on all its MDX models, plus the added bonus of XM Satellite radio.
Acura RL (2006)
Launched in 2005, the RL model from Acura has done well in the luxury sedan market. Priced between $48,565 and $53,100, depending on options and engine, the Acura RL comes with all-wheel drive and a well built real-time traffic monitoring system. Other improvements added to the 2006 Acura RL are the CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System) and ACS (Adaptive Cruise Control).
Acura RSX (2006)
Priced between $20,325 and $23,845 addresses a much wider target audience thatn the exotic NSX. The base RSX comes with 155-horsepower and the performance Type-S has an additional 46 bhp.
Acura TSX (2006)
The small sport sedan priced at $27,890 is the next step from the RSX sport coupe. The 2006 model comes with changes in the optional equipment and a stylish facelift.
For more information, factual characteristics and photos and wallpapers of the 2006 and 2007 Acura models, please visit all-car-photos.com.
Posted by Frank at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)
10 Reasons To Get A CarFax Report
A CarFax report is affordable. For less than $50.00, consumers can learn everything that they need to know about a vehicle before agreeing to make a purchase and signing on the dotted line.
With a CarFax report, you will be able to confirm the automobile’s VIN number, year, make and model. This is important in making sure that you are purchasing the automobile as it is being presented to you for sale.
With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever been flooded or has been repaired for any flood damage. This is very important, especially if purchased in areas that are prone to flooding, hurricane damage, etc. Even if an area is not prone to flood damage, there is always the possibility that an automobile has traveled through high water or been exposed to it at some point.
With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever been involved in any type of car accident and, if so, what damages were reported. Every day, automobile accidents occur and the damages often require extensive repairs. It is important for you to know whether or not the automobile you are considering purchasing has ever had any type of damage.
With a CarFax report, you can find out if the automobile has ever suffered from any type of fire damage and, if so, what repairs were made to correct the damages.
With a CarFax report, you can make sure the automobile has a clear title and does not have any liens. This is very important when you purchase an automobile, home or even raw land. If you purchase something that does not have a clear title, you are basically throwing your money away. If you receive a clear title, you will have full ownership of the car and will be able to legally resell it in the future.
A CarFax report will confirm the number of miles to be the original miles as noted on the CarFax report. The sad, but honest, truth is that there are some individuals who attempt to falsify an automobile’s actual miles in order to collect a higher sale price.
With a CarFax report, an individual can learn how many previous owners the car has had. This is important in considering why the car has had multiple owners, if it has, and may be a sign that something is wrong. An automobile with only one owner is more likely to be reliable as opposed to one that has been shuffled amongst multiple owners.
With a CarFax report, you can find out what, if any, repairs have been made on the automobile. This is important in considering what type of recurring problem there may be with the automobile or whether or not you are purchasing a lemon. A car that has had excessive repairs, either in various parts or in one particular area, may be an indication that you should be prepared to spend some time at the repair shop as the new owner.
And finally, a CarFax report provides overall peace of mind in knowing that you did the research and are not relying on the seller to provide accurate information. An informed buyer is a smart one.
via Aurel Radulescu.
Posted by Frank at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)
General Motors Displays The 'Green' Future Of Transportation At Wired Nextfest
NEW YORK – GM will showcase its vast portfolio of “green” advanced propulsion technologies and how they will help increase fuel economy, reduce emissions and help eliminate dependence on petroleum at WIRED NextFest, today through Oct. 1 at Javits Center in New York.
An official pavilion sponsor, GM’s 4,000-square-foot exhibit will focus on three areas, including: alternative fuels; hybrids and fuel cells; and demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving the environmental performance of both its vehicles and its operations.
Alternative fuels
GM is committed to reducing the nation’s dependence on petroleum and reducing vehicle emissions. E85 ethanol, a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, is an alternative fuel that helps combat both of these problems. A GM brand FlexFuel vehicle can run on 100-percent gasoline, E85 ethanol or any combination of the two.
For 2007, GM brands will offer 17 E85-compatible FlexFuel models totaling about 400,000 vehicles, nearly double the nine models in 2006. GM already has more than two million flex-fuel models on North American roads offered through Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Saturn, and has been actively encouraging growth of the E85 refueling structure. Today, ethanol in the U.S. is primarily made from corn, but it can be produced by a variety of other materials.
GM will have an extensive E85 display at NextFest that will include real corn grown by student gardeners from New York City. These gardeners are new participants in the Growing Connection (TGC), a pilot project of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN. TGC targets 10- to 15 year-old kids around the world, teaching them to grow food and to connect with each other through information technology.
GM, working in partnership with the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) and East End Marketing, also recently announced that the first New York E85 fueling location to be available to the public will open later this year at the Westhampton Beach Valero station on Long Island. New Yorkers will now have the option of refueling their vehicles with E85.
Hybrids
GM has a diverse hybrid program, with three separate systems designed to meet American driving patterns and needs. The systems will vary in fuel economy savings and cost, providing an opportunity for more consumers to own a hybrid vehicle and benefit from increased fuel economy savings.
Saturn’s new Vue Green Line will be a centerpiece of GM’s NextFest exhibit. A new hybrid that delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending upon driving conditions, the vehicle is expected to deliver an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating estimated at 27 mpg in the city and the best highway mileage of any SUV at 32 mpg. The vehicle price starts at less than $23,000, positioning the Saturn Vue Green Line as the most affordable hybrid vehicle on the market today.
Fuel cells
The Chevrolet Sequel, GM’s solution to provide the world with a cleaner, petroleum-free vehicle, also will be on display at NextFest. Sequel was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is the first vehicle in the world to successfully integrate a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system with a broad menu of advanced technologies such as steer- and brake-by-wire controls, wheel hub motors, lithium-ion batteries and a lightweight aluminum structure. It uses clean, renewable hydrogen as a fuel and emits only water vapor.
Sequel fundamentally changes the DNA of today’s automobiles, exchanging an internal combustion engine, petroleum and mechanical systems for fuel cell propulsion, hydrogen and electrical systems. In Sequel, GM has created a real vehicle that promises to lead to long-term, sustainable automotive transportation.
Moving beyond the Sequel, GM recently announced that it will build more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and will begin placing them with customers in the fall of 2007, as part of a comprehensive deployment plan dubbed “Project Driveway." Designed to gain comprehensive learnings on all aspects of the customer experience, Project Driveway constitutes the first meaningful market test of fuel cell vehicles anywhere.
General Motors’ commitment to developing fuel-saving technologies is demonstrated by its lineup of more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg (based on EPA highway label data) than any other manufacturer for 2006. In fact, GM is on target to sell more than 1 million vehicles this year that achieve greater than 30 mpg highway or more. For more information about GM's fuel-saving technologies, visit www.gmability.com.
‘Green is the New Black’ panel discussion
In addition to its extensive display, Beth Lowery, GM vice president, environment and energy, will participate in the “Green is the New Black” panel discussion at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Main Pavilion. Lowery will discuss the ongoing transformation of the total vehicle design to help in the “green” evolution of the automotive industry.
WIRED NextFest is open for general admission on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. It will be staged in New York at Javits Center. For additional information about WIRED NextFest, please visit www.nextfest.net.
WIRED NextFest is sponsored by General Electric, Atari, Autodesk, CITI, Data Pipe, Discovery Channel, GM, Intel, NASA, Pfizer, Coke Black, Hilton Garden Inn and the Science Channel.
Posted by Frank at 03:15 PM | Comments (0)
Why Vehicle Accident Photographs Are Valuable
You were humming along on a bright and sunny day when suddenly Fred Fuddle, a local character from a nearby town, drunk as a skunk and zooming along in his pickup, flew through stop sign crashing into the right front of your motor vehicle. You had no choice to avoid him. Now the time has come to settle your claim for property damage and personal injuries. Let’s talk about photographs one of the basics that should have been taking place - - just as soon as possible - - after that impact had taken place.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF INJURIES: Photographs are often the best evidence you can produce to increase the value of your claim. If your accident causes bodily injuries that are visible (such as bruises, deep cuts, swellings, lacerations, dislocations and/or black and blue marks) it’s crucial, to the ultimate settlement value of your case, that you have photographs taken of those just as soon as possible! Take them from 3 feet away and also as close as you can so as to capture the seriousness of their existence. When you hand those to Adjuster I. M. Smart from the Granite Insurance Company believe me when I tell you he’ll stare at them and blanch!
PHOTOGRAPHS OF BOTH VEHICLES: You should take photographs of the damages to your vehicle from several different angles. If at all possible find the motor vehicle that hit you and take photographs of that damage also. When it comes to proving the impact your body was subjected to (and in many cases to prove who was at fault) those photographs could one day be worth their weight in gold.
HOW TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE: The pictures of each accident scene should be taken from at least three different angles: Snap several of a “general view” of the area from about 20 to 40 feet away; a couple more “medium range” shot’s from 10 to 15 feet away, and then some “close up” shot’s from 3 to 5 feet away. If it’s at all possible all three different distances should have a common point or orientation. If, for example, you’re snapping photographs of a skid mark, it should be taken from an angle so as to clearly show were that skid mark is, in relation to a landmark, like a street sign, a building, a fire hydrant, etc. Another photograph should then be taken with a closer view - - one clearly identifying the skid mark in detail - -and also, if possible, include this readily identifiable object or landmark (the street signs, building‘s, etc.).
Because they’re such potent evidence you should blow up those photographs of the skid marks, taken from 3 to 6 feet away, into 8X10 glossies. A total of 12 to 15 photographs of the accident scene and/or the skid marks are not too many. When you hand copies of the 8X10 glossy photograph’s of those skid marks to the adjuster, to help justify he payment he’ll eventually make to you, it will absolutely increase the value of your claim.
"Why" you ask?
The answer to that one is, "Because it will tell both adjuster Smart and his supervisor (who, in the end, will usually call the shots on how much your settlement dollars should be) that you know what you’re doing and you’re not the type of individual who can be taken advantage of".
A WORD OF CAUTION: The individual engaged in the task of snapping photograph’s of your body, the accident scene, etc., should be careful to make sure they’re not undertaking this effort with a casual, hasty or careless attitude - - one that tends to leave it up to do the camera to do the thinking for them. Rather, the photographer ought to carefully consider the process the process slowly and seriously so that the photos produced will produce the maximum value.
If at all possible photos should be taken of the exact location on the road where the impact occurred, and shots of all relevant gouge and/or chop marks on the surface, plus traffic signs, etc., as applicable.
It cannot be emphasized enough that photographs of skid marks are invaluable evidence, since they can often indicate Fuddle’s speed at the time of impact and can be a tremendous asset when it comes to establishing fault.
A good practice to follow is to make a brief notation on the backs of all photos, entering upon them a brief account of what the photo is showing, the date it was taken and by whom.
Photographs of injuries, the accident scene and the road surface if done correctly - - is money in the bank !
-- from Daniel G. Baldyga
DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article "THE GREAT VALUE OF ACCIDENT PHOTOGRAPHS" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLECITY.COM make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever: NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.
All of the information necessary for you to deal with and handle the above issues are spelled out wiithin the contents of Dan Baldyga's third "How To" Insurance Claim book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclams.com or http://www.autoaccodentclaims.com. This book also contains BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA will tell you exactly how many dollars the "Pain and Suffering" you endured, because of your accident - - are worth!
Posted by Frank at 03:15 PM
General Motors And Weekly Reader Teach Students To Live Green By Going Yellow
Free Curriculum Teaches Middle School Students About E85 Ethanol
STAMFORD , Conn. – Diversifying our country’s energy supply. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing alternative fuels. As energy topics continue to grow in importance, GM and Weekly Reader are launching a new educational program on E85 ethanol that is aimed at a generation poised to benefit from its use.
The multimedia middle school curriculum, “Live Green, Go Yellow: The Power of Corn,” includes a classroom DVD that demonstrates the process by which ethanol is produced from domestically grown corn. In-class activities introduce students to E85 ethanol and how it could make a positive impact on the way in which we fuel our automobiles by reducing dependence on petroleum and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Using the curriculum, students explore the economic, agricultural and environmental impacts of using E85 ethanol as a fuel source.
“GM is committed to continually improving the impact its vehicles have on the environment, and making products that can run on alternative fuels such as E85 ethanol is one way we are doing that, “said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, environment and energy. “GM also believes that it is important to educate today’s young people, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, in the areas of science and math. Working with Weekly Reader to develop this classroom curriculum on E85 ethanol is a great opportunity to do that.”
General Motors and Weekly Reader have had a long commitment to educating students in all grades on some of the most revolutionary issues in science and technology.
“We’re teaching students about a topic that impacts them today and will continue to impact their lives in the future,” said Peter Esposito, president of Weekly Reader Corporation Custom Publishing. “That we can provide educators with dynamic content is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Previous programs that GM and Weekly Reader have created provide elementary and middle school science teachers with topical curriculum materials that highlight promising new technologies, including the hydrogen-powered fuel cell. Since 2002, these educational materials have reached more than 24 million students.
Four years ago, General Motors and Weekly Reader first distributed a middle school program titled, “Fuel Cells: Driving the Future.” It has since won the prestigious 2004 Society of Automotive Engineers, Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award and a silver 2005 entry-level Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Innovation Prize. GM’s education web site, www.gmability.com/education, also won the esteemed Holmes Group’s 2004 Bronze SABRE award.
To learn more about GM’s education, environment and technology initiatives, or to download “Live Green, Go Yellow: The Power of Corn” in English and Spanish, visit www.gmability.com/education.
For the 2007 model year, GM produces 17 vehicle models capable of operating on E85 ethanol and has more than two million E85 vehicles currently on the road. For more information on GM’s E85 ethanol initiatives, go to www.livegreengoyellow.com.
Posted by Frank at 03:14 PM | Comments (0)
Some Thoughts On Becoming A Trucker
If you have the will to explore around the country and get paid at the same time, consider being a trucker. Truckers enjoy some benefits that people in other capacites do not have, namely the camaraderie among other Truckers, meeting new people, being able to witness the changing seasons as you commute around the country, unpredictability (in other words, less boredom!), and plenty of available trucking stations. All are valid reasons why people chuck their current occupations for the chance at the open interstate highway.
Of course, as with all major life determinations, changing jobs to drive a truck takes some information. To begin with, think about how your personal life will change. There will instances when you might miss your son’s baseball games or be late getting home for the holidays because of arterial conditions due to the weather. Extended periods away from home sometimes take a toll on a person, so you have to decide whether driving trucks is right for you.
If your heart is still set on being a driver, then your next step is to find a reputable trucking corporation or school that offers truck driving programs and instruction. There are usually specialized schools specifically for truck driving, but sometimes, local community colleges have vocational programs available too. The best thing to do is check with your local Department of Transportation office first to find out the stipulations for truck drivers and what type of instruction is the best training for earning your Commercial Driver’s License. Chances are that they have a recommended list of the best schools in the area.
The unmatched scenario for training and certification is one on one, just you and the instructor. Sometimes, if you are in a big rig with several other trainees and the coach, that does not give you as much hands-on instruction as you need. Another thing to think about when choosing a trucking business or school is whether they offer labor placement assistance. New truckers need all the help they can get in identifying engagement opportunities. There are plenty of trucking labors out there, but as a new driver, you may not know all the ins and outs of the different trucking companies.
From changes in the weather to that wacky creature driving a convertible unclad, Truck drivers have run across many situations like these. Their life on the interstate highway may not always be easy, but it sure can be an interesting one. A trucker’s life may not be for everyone, but those that do it, care for it.
Do your research and consider becoming a trucker.
via Yvonne Volante.
Posted by Frank at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
General Motors Makes E85 Fuel Available To Consumers For First Time Ever In New York
New E85 Pump to Open at Westhampton Beach Valero Station
NEW YORK – General Motors, in partnership with the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) and East End Marketing, today announced that the first New York E85 fueling location available to the public will soon open at the Westhampton Beach Valero station on Long Island.
“Thanks to the national consumer education campaign of General Motors; the leadership of Gov. Pataki and the many state agencies that have helped promote the use of biofuels; and the support of our local alternative fuel advocacy organization, the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition; our dream of bringing E85 ethanol to the Long Island community is becoming a reality,” said Rhea Courtney Bozic, northeast regional coordinator, NEVC. “We are thrilled to join General Motors and East End Marketing in this announcement to make E85 ethanol publicly available to New York drivers for the first time ever.”
Installation of the new pump is currently under way, and it is expected to open to the public by the end of the year. “ We are thrilled to provide consumers in Westhampton Beach alternative fuel choices such as E85 ethanol that will enhance the environment and provide greater independence from foreign fuels,” added Robert Chase, director of operations, East End Marketing. “We look forward to working with the NEVC and General Motors to introduce New York motorists to the many benefits of E85 ethanol.”
As part of the partnership, GM will promote the availability of the fuel through consumer and dealer outreach. The effort is similar to announcements GM has already made with other state government, oil industry, ethanol producers and retail partners across the country.
“GM already has more than two million vehicles on the road today that are capable of using E85 ethanol fuel,” said Elizabeth Lowery, GM vice president, environment and energy. “Our latest efforts in New York are the result of our ongoing commitment to partnering with government, fuel providers and retailers to make E85 ethanol more widely available across the country, while we continue to educate consumers about the fueling options they have as flex fuel owners.”
The announcement of New York’s first E85 ethanol pump follows Chevrolet’s announcement last month that it provided the MTV Video Music Awards with a fleet of 60 E85-compatible SUVs to transport talent to the Aug. 31 awards telecast at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Chevrolet celebrity fleet ran on E85 ethanol, which GM purchased from Sprague Energy. Sprague Energy delivered E85 ethanol to the New York City Department of Sanitation, which provided temporary refueling for the Chevrolet celebrity fleet at its six E85 fueling sites in New York City. These refueling sites are fleet stations and are not open to the public.
The MTV Video Music Awards promotion and the Westhampton Beach station opening are part of a larger, ongoing campaign by GM to drive consumer awareness of the benefits of E85 ethanol. GM is partnering with government, fuel providers and fuel retailers across the nation to help grow the E85 ethanol fueling station infrastructure. Since May of 2005, GM has announced partnerships in 10 states ( South Dakota, California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania) to locate up to 170 new E85 ethanol fueling locations by the end of 2006. To date, there are more than 950 E85 ethanol fueling stations in the U.S.
E85 flexible-fuel vehicles can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85, a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. E85 ethanol can contribute to energy independence because it diversifies the source of transportation fuels beyond petroleum, and it provides positive environmental benefits in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Because research has shown that many owners of flex-fuel vehicles do not know that their vehicles are capable of using E85 ethanol, GM has initiated a sweeping consumer education and advertising campaign aimed at promoting the benefits of E85 ethanol and GM’s flexible fuel vehicle leadership, and encouraging consumers to actively promote E85 ethanol in their communities. “Live Green Go Yellow” ads continue throughout the year with print, web (livegreengoyellow.com) and broadcast media components.
GM is also committed to educating consumers about the fueling options they have as flex-fuel owners. Chevrolet and GMC E85 FlexFuel cars and trucks will soon come equipped with a yellow fuel cap, indicating the consumer has a choice of either gasoline or E85 fuel.
GM is a leader in flexible-fuel vehicle production and sales. GM currently offers nine E85 flexible fuel vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Impala and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. At the same time, worldwide production of ethanol is increasing every year.
Posted by Frank at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
Ford Bold Moves #13: The Untold Truth
In just its 1st year of production, the quality of the Ford Fusion has earned praise from customers and the press. Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ford’s biggest hits.
Posted by Frank at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
ACDelco Drives Business with " Battery Bucks" Promotion
GRAND BLANC, MICH. — ACDelco is pleased to announce ACDelco “Battery Bucks,” another promotion to help Independent Service Centers (ISCs) grow their business and improve their customer retention.
To promote ACDelco’s “Battery Bucks” rebate promotion, ACDelco wil l sponsor up to 250 mailings to targeted customers of any ISC or ACDelco Total Service Support (TSS) account that enrolls for the promotion. The promotion is available for a limited time and utilizes MechanicNet Customer Retention System (CRS) to identify and target customers whose vehicles might be in need of having their batteries replaced.
ACDelco “Battery Bucks” builds off the success of ACDelco’s popular summer “Brake Bucks” incentive. Through direct-mail postcards, “Battery Bucks” invites consumers to visit their local ISCs or ACDelco TSS accounts for a battery test and charging and starting system inspection. It offers consumers a $10 mail-in rebate with the purchase and installation of an ACDelco-branded battery OR any ACDelco Automotive Replacement parts when the repair invoice totals at least $70 in ACDelco products. The consumer mail-in rebate promotion runs November 1 – December 31, 2006.
“Many ISCs enrolled in ACDelco’s TSS program have long realized the benefits of ACDelco’s relationship with MechanicNet Group to help grow their businesses and improve their customer retention,” said ACDelco Marketing Director Nancy McLean. “Through the ACDelco ‘Battery Bucks’ promotion, now all ISCs can sample the benefits of the MechanicNet CRS and learn more about the TSS program.”
MechanicNet CRS has the ability to integrate with over 120 shop management systems to retrieve repair order information and analyze consumers’ vehicle service history. This helps to best identify which consumers within a shop’s database are most likely to require a battery and / or other services.
During the promotional period, MechanicNet will professionally produce and mail four-color, personalized postcards to these target customers. According to MechanicNet, market tests show targeted promotion mailings have delivered response rates 20 times better than traditional direct mail – and bring in commensurate revenue. The mail-in rebate offer is available EXCLUSIVELY to consumers who receive the “Battery Bucks” direct mail postcard.
ACDelco, for a $50 promotional fee, will sponsor the mailing of up to 250 postcards; the fee is waived for existing MechanicNet CRS subscribers at the time of the promotion. ISCs and ACDelco TSS accounts not able to take advantage of MechanicNet CRS technology can leverage traditional direct mail through R.J. Conlin.
ISCs and ACDelco TSS accounts must enroll in MechanicNet by October 13 in order to receive 250 postcards at no additional charge for the end-of-October mailing; the postcard promotion is open only to U.S. locations. ISCs as well as current TSS members can enroll in the promotion by logging on to acdelcotechconnect.com, then clicking on the postcard icon for qualification requirements.
“We’ve been on MechanicNet for nine months now and have used both the direct mail and on-line e-mail options,” said Mike Turner, owner, Portland Automotive, Inc., and a member of ACDelco’s TSS Advisory Council. “We’ve had a great return rate, particularly for the recent ACDelco ‘Brake Bucks’ promotion, and will keep using the program. In fact, we plan to increase our e-mail use over the coming months.”
For more information on ACDelco’s TSS program or the ACDelco “ Battery Bucks” promotion, log on to acdelcotechconnect.com.
ACDelco markets quality replacement parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM and practically every other vehicle on the road today. To find an ACDelco parts retailer or ACDelco certified technician near you, log on to acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDelco.
Posted by Frank at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)
Ford Exec Optimistic With Mulally at Helm
Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields said he does not expect newly hired CEO Alan Mulally to overhaul the automaker's executive team and called him a "huge add to the team, reports The Wall Street Journal.
Mr. Fields said that though he's only had a few meetings with Mr. Mulally, he thinks the new CEO will help institute a culture change at Ford, though he warned that it wouldn't come overnight. Mr. Fields is overseeing the company's Way Forward restructuring plan, which aims to reduce operating costs by approximately $5 billion, including about 14,000 salaried job cuts and buyout offers for all Ford's hourly employees at the United Auto Workers.
Posted by Frank at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)
Toyota WV Plant To Expand For Fifth Time in a Decade
With Toyota seeking to expand global production to nearly 10 million vehicles by 2008, the automaker's Buffalo, West Virginia plant is in the process of its fifth expansion since the plant opened in 1996. The Buffalo plant manufactures engines for Toyota's Corolla, Sienna, and Solara models. It also makes transmissions for the Sienna, Avalon and Lexus RX350 lines, reports The State Journal.
The plant is in the process of expanding to include production lines for six-speed automatic transmissions and a new four-cylinder engine. Those projects will be complete in July 2007. "When we announced the opening plant 10 years ago, we had a four-cylinder engine line with 200 production team members," said David Copenhaver, vice president of administration at the Buffalo plant. The plant has now surpassed 1,100 workers and continues to grow.
Posted by Frank at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
Kerkorian Move Raises Questions
The move by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian yesterday to make public his interest in buying up to 12 million additional shares in General Motors has sparked questions on what his motive behind the announcement may be.
Some people in the industry believe Kerkorian is just looking for a larger stake in the automaker and is not making the move to try and influence an alliance with Renault-Nissan.
Dave Cole, president of the Center for Automotive Research, is quoted in today's Chicago Tribune as saying, "with or without Renault-Nissan, GM is ahead of the game in its restructuring, and Kerkorian sees that and thinks he can make money."
Argus Research analyst Kevin Tynan, however, believes Kerkorian's move is a way to "publicly nudge GM a little closer to an alliance," since Kerkorian's investment firm Tracinda Corp. promoted the alliance talks in the first place. George Peterson, president of automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, sees both motives at work.
"Purchasing more GM shares gives off vibrations he's more positive about GM and that the stock is still at a bargain value so he can pick up 12 million more shares and make a lot of money on it," he said. "It also puts him in a slightly stronger position to exert pressure on an alliance, which would result in a rapid short-term appreciation in the value of GM stock and bring him a huge return on his investment."
Posted by Frank at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
Foreign car companies working Detroit
International nameplate autos have moved into the Detroit-to-Ann Arbor corridor in search of the abundance of engineering and design talent around the area, reports The Associated Press.
Asian cars and trucks developed and designed in the Detroit area include Toyota's Camry, Sienna minivan, and Avalon sedan; Nissan's Titan, Altima, and Versa; and soon vehicles from Hyundai and Kia.
Toyota's technical center in Ann Arbor employs almost 700 people and the automaker is building a second facility nearby with room to grow. Hyundai-Kia opened its tech center in Ann Arbor last year and has about 300 designers and engineers working on vehicles to be built at plants in Alabama and Georgia.
Nissan already has 1,200 workers, mostly engineers and designers, in nearby Farmington Hills.
Posted by Frank at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2006
Scion design: you can win a chance to design the next Scion showroom
Toyota launches Showroom Design Contest that takes place entirely online
Geared for youthful car buyers, Scion is the latest line of cars from Toyota Motor Corporation. To carve out a home for the brand, the car manufacturer has launched an international showroom design competition, Scion Floorplan.
Applicants should submit a written description and a complete design concept for a 750-square-foot showroom online. The first prize winner will take home $5,000—and earn the opportunity to see his or her idea realized. Second and third place winners will receive $1,000 and $500, respectively.
Each concept must include what the manufacturer calls the Discovery Area, an area to communicate the brand and educate potential buyers, and the Consultation Area, a semi-private space for sales consultants.
The winning entry will be selected in December by Scion executives and retail environment design firm Commune based on creativity, manufacturability, functionality, and appropriateness to the Scion brand and the buyer.
“Since the brand’s inception we have worked to support musicians, artists, and filmmakers,” says Alan Mimaki, business operations manager for Scion. “We are very excited to add architects and interior designers and look forward to see their visions of the next generation Scion showroom.”
More information is available on the Scion Floorplan Web site.
Posted by Frank at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)
Report: DaimlerChrysler in talks with Chinese auto maker
DaimlerChrysler is in talks to sell compact, fuel-efficient vehicles from China's Chery Automobile Co. in the U.S., via its Chrysler Group, according to the German magazine Der Spiegel. Spokesmen for both DaimlerChrysler and Chery denied any knowledge of such talks.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
General Motors to tap into U.S. patriotism
In a bid to position the Silverado as America's truck, General Motors is dropping the "like a rock" campaign in favor of patriotic ads featuring "Our Country," a soon-to-be-released anthem by John Mellencamp.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 05:01 PM | Comments (0)
GM building home hydrogen refueling system
General Motors said it is developing a hydrogen refueling unit designed for home use. The company has an eye on selling fuel-cell cars by 2011.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 05:00 PM | Comments (0)
Honda plans "superclean" diesel-powered car for U.S.
Honda Motor said it plans to introduce, by 2009, a car equipped with a "superclean" diesel engine to the U.S market. The company said it believes the V-4 engine, which already has been introduced in Europe, will change Americans' traditionally poor perceptions of diesel. The main benefit of the technology is a substantial reduction in NOx emissions, a primary obstacle to widespread diesel adoption.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
Honda won't equip new CR-V with V6 engine
Honda said has no plans to equip its redesigned CR-V crossover-utility vehicle with a V-6 engine. A Honda planner said many consumers consider the CR-V the ideal vehicle in terms of size, packaging and styling.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:57 PM | Comments (0)
Six automakers sued by state of California
The state of California last week sued General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chrysler and Nissan, alleging they've played a major role in the buildup of greenhouse gases, by selling vehicles that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers defended its members, saying the automakers are working hard to produce cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)
Japanese automakers capturing big share of Chinese market
Japan's six major automakers are plowing their way into the Chinese market, the fastest-growing auto market in the world. Although Japanese companies entered the market somewhat late, their aggressive efforts to expand production and roll out new models, have given them an edge over their U.S. and European rivals in China.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
As gas prices drop, will buyers go for bigger cars?
Falling gasoline prices could induce some consumers to spring for bigger, less fuel-efficient cars like SUVs, but many auto industry experts say it's unlikely prices at the pump will go low enough to fuel another big-car boom anytime soon.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)
Watch your car being built, drive it away
Automakers including Chevrolet, BMW and Ford are offering buyers of certain vehicles -- Chevy's Corvette and BMW's Z4 are two prime examples -- the chance to see their vehicles being built, an opportunity some car enthusiasts see as too good to pass up.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:52 PM | Comments (0)
GM Announces Corporate Ad Agency Addition
DETROIT – General Motors Corp. has named Deutsch, Inc., in Los Angeles, an official advertising agency of record. Beginning, Jan. 1, 2007, Deutsch will work on specific reputational projects such as promoting GM’s leadership in quality, alternative fuels, economic impact and the environment.
Last month, Deutsch LA was responsible for the successful “Elevate” campaign to announce GM’s 100,000 mile / 5 year warranty.
“GM is fundamentally changing the way we market and sell our vehicles. We are very focused on addressing the quality perception gap between how consumers view GM cars and trucks and the reality of how beautifully designed and well-engineered they truly are,” said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, Marketing and Advertising. “The GM 100,000 Mile Warranty campaign, which Deutsch helped us launch last month, is the latest example of this new level of confidence at GM today.” GM is challenging all of its agencies to improve consideration by not only promoting its new vehicle lineup, but by closing the perceptual gap in areas such as quality and fuel efficiency.
Posted by Frank at 04:24 PM | Comments (0)
ACDelco Fall Car Care Tips - Start with the "Four Bs"
GRAND BLANC, MICH. -- Along with the change of seasons from fall to winter comes the likelihood of poor road conditions and reduced visibility. Automotive breakdowns, never convenient, can be even more dangerous in cold weather. Preventive vehicle maintenance can help lessen the odds of mechanical failure.
"Fall is a crucial time to have your vehicle inspected, starting with the 'four Bs' -- batteries, brakes, wiper blades and belts and hoses," said Chris Vermette, ACDelco product specialist, Wiper Blades and Belts and Hoses. "Cold weather only makes existing problems worse. You never want to have a breakdown, but winter can be the worst possible time."
Vermette recommends vehicle owners check their Owner's Manual and the recommended vehicle maintenance schedules before taking their cars and trucks to a professional technician for a complete inspection, including the critical "Four Bs:"
* Batteries. Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. Extreme temperatures, battery age and cranking power are determinants as to whether a vehicle will start. Have an ASE-certified technician use professional equipment to determine if the battery is weak, while also checking the condition of the starter and alternator.
* Brakes. A thorough inspection at a service center should include a "wheels-on" inspection -- to help identify wheel alignment problems, sticking calipers or warped rotors -- as well as a "wheels-off" inspection of the various brake parts. Also check the brake fluid; low levels can cause a dangerous loss of braking performance. Make sure the reservoir is filled to the MAX line with new brake fluid from a sealed container.
* Blades. Wiper blades that were installed new last spring may be ready for replacement this fall. Examine wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. In addition, wipers tend to build up a thin layer of grime during the summer that keeps the rubber blade from contacting the glass, which could result in smeared windshields and poor visibility. Vermette recommends that vehicle owners who live in cold climates consider switching to a winter wiper blade or the ACDelco Beam Wiper Blade, but should check their vehicle's Owner's Manual for specific recommendations.
* Belts and Hoses. Don't wait until a belt or hose breaks and leaves you stranded alongside the road to replace it. Inspect engine belts for cracking and pliability. If they are rigid, they should be replaced. Hoses deteriorate from the inside out; test them for spongy, brittle or bulging areas.
In addition to inspecting the "Four Bs," a fall maintenance checkup may include: changing the oil; checking the radiator fluid levels; inspecting or replacing the oil filter and the air and cabin filters; inspecting the heating and exhaust systems; balancing and aligning the wheels; topping off all fluids; examining lights to make sure they work and that headlights are properly aimed; and rotating the tires, making sure to check the tire pressure and inspect the treads for wear.
ACDelco sells quality replacement parts for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GM and most vehicles on the road today. To find an ACDelco parts retailer near you, log on to acdelco.com or call 1-800-ACDelco.
Posted by Frank at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)
Investing In Vehicle Maintenance Can Pay Dividends When It's Time To Sell Or Trade
Tips from GM Goodwrench can help reduce the overall cost of vehicle ownership
DETROIT - Besides a home, owning a vehicle is one of the biggest investments a consumer will make. That investment extends beyond the sticker in the vehicle's window: It includes insurance, fuel, regularly scheduled maintenance and depreciation.
The good news is that today's new cars and trucks are designed and built to run for more than 100,000 miles, remain in service an average of 16 years and serve four to five different owners, according to Tom Kontos, Vice President of Analytical Services for ADESA Inc., a leading provider of wholesale vehicle auctions and related services in North America. So while some costs - such as insurance premiums and gas - are largely outside of consumers' control, financially savvy owners can actively help improve their bottom line at sale or trade-in by keeping their vehicles properly maintained, according to industry experts.
"A vehicle that has been well-maintained can be worth thousands more at sale or trade-in," said Joni Gray, consumer advice editor for Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a noted authority on vehicle resale value. "That money can be used toward the purchase of a new vehicle."
For definitive answers on GM vehicle maintenance, vehicle owners need look no further than their owner's manual and the nearest GM Goodwrench dealership. The manual details the regular maintenance and preventive procedures recommended for keeping vehicles in optimum condition; GM-trained Goodwrench technicians at nearly 7,000 GM dealerships can perform the services.
Maintenance and the bottom line
According to ADESA Analytical Services, nearly half of consumers - 47 percent - keep new vehicles for between one and four years. That means those who sell or trade need to know the vehicle's value.
Kelley Blue Book offers a 16-question online quiz: The answers help determine values based on conditions ranging from excellent to fair. (KBB includes a 'poor' category but does not provide value estimates). Criteria include condition of the engine, transmission, body, tires, brakes, interior, HVAC systems and even the existence of service records.
"If you've had your vehicle maintained and serviced at any GM Goodwrench dealership, you will be able provide documentation of the vehicle's entire service record history, even if you weren't good at keeping individual paper receipts," said Stephanie Gehl, GM Service and Parts Operations Portfolio manager, Quick Service Products. "That's a key benefit of GM's Goodwrench service that can also help improve resale value."
Gehl added that October, which the Car Care Council designates Fall Car Care Month, is an excellent time for consumers to have their vehicles inspected before the busy holiday season approaches.
What maintenance steps can drivers take to help improve vehicle resale?
Most drivers know part of regular maintenance includes changing the vehicle's oil as indicated by the GM Oil Life System or at proper service intervals specified in their manufacturers' owner manual, but there are other things they can do to help improve their vehicles' bottom line at sale or trade-in. GM Goodwrench recommends the following:
* Take a few moments to walk around the vehicle and make sure all the bulbs are working: the headlights, the taillights and the brake lights.
* Maintain a clean air filter. A clogged air intake system can lead to poor vehicle performance and reduce fuel economy.
* Look under the vehicle occasionally for leaks that may need addressing.
* Wash the vehicle regularly to remove corrosive substances such as road salt, and so that small dings or loose trim pieces can be identified and repaired early.
* Help prevent pre-mature wearing of tires by ensuring they are rotated on a regular basis, are properly inflated, and correctly aligned.
"Poorly maintained tires can be expensive to replace and may impact resale value," said Gehl. "But more importantly, well-maintained tires are critical to the safe performance of a vehicle."
What is a Multi-Point Inspection?
GM Goodwrench offers convenient, efficient, multipoint inspections for vehicles, comprehensive diagnostic testing and complete service capabilities to help customers keep their vehicles operating properly. GM Goodwrench dealerships offer the following inspection services:
* Transmission, drive shaft and u-joints
* Radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses
* Interior lights, exterior lamps, brake lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights
* Exhaust system
* Engine air cleaner filter
* Suspension and steering system components
Posted by Frank at 04:15 PM | Comments (0)
GM Announces Carry-Over Pricing On The Most Popular Versions Of The All-New 2007 Chevrolet Silverado And GMC Sierra Pickups
Nearly Half of the Models Are Within $300 of the Models They Replace
DALLAS – GM North America President Troy Clarke announced today, just prior to the State Fair of Texas, that the most popular versions of the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks will be priced the same as the models they replace.
The industry leader in full-size pickup sales, GM has comprehensively redesigned the trucks with new exterior and interior designs, as well as powertrain, chassis and safety systems. Production of the trucks begins on Oct. 2, and they are expected to begin arriving in Chevrolet and GMC dealerships in early November.
“The all-new 2007 Silverado and Sierra will set the new standard in the full-size pickup segment with segment-leading fuel economy, performance, capability, refinement and safety,” Clarke said. “And the best part is, our customers can get into one for the same price as the prior model, but with more standard equipment.”
Also new for 2007 is GM’s five-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is fully transferable and includes courtesy transportation and roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty.
The 2007 Silverado and Sierra extended cab pricing begins at $23,605, and the crew cab versions of the trucks start at $27,000. All prices include a $900 destination freight charge, and apply to two-wheel-drive models with a standard 4.8L V-8 engine.
In addition to the carry-over pricing on the most popular models, GM also announced modest price increases on several other versions of the trucks, and some models actually went down in price. “Nearly half of the 2007 Silverado and Sierra models are within $300 of the models they replace, with added standard equipment such as OnStar, tire pressure monitoring, StabiliTrak and improved fuel economy,” said Clarke. “We wanted to reward and grow our customer loyalty by exceeding expectations for unparalleled capability and value.”
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world’s leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Posted by Frank at 04:13 PM | Comments (0)
GMAC Survey Finds Consumers Well-Informed About Car Buying Process
DETROIT - While the majority of consumers are well-informed about the car-buying process, even more could benefit by taking some simple steps--such as understanding their credit scores--before considering financing options, according to a new survey by GMAC Financial Services.
Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed responded that they believed they were well-informed to get the best deal for their money at the time they bought their first car. Sixty-six percent correctly were aware that the best way to lower a monthly payment on car financing is to make a larger down payment, and 83 percent were aware that a monthly car payment should not exceed 20 percent of their take-home pay. Many consumers also are seeking to further educate themselves online, with almost half (49 percent) responding that they conducted online research before buying their most recent car.
However, 72 percent of respondents failed to check their credit report before making their vehicle purchase. Credit scores give consumers an indicator of their relative creditworthiness and help them set expectations for what will be available through the negotiating process.
"Buying a vehicle is a major financial decision, and it is important that consumers fully understand how their credit records factor into their ability to finance a vehicle," said Bill Muir, president, GMAC Financial Services. "This survey highlights the value that companies like GMAC and GM dealers provide as they continue to educate people about the fundamentals of personal finance and give them the knowledge they need to get the vehicle that best fits their budget."
GMAC Financial Services has designed a public education campaign, SmartEdge by GMAC, to help better prepare consumers to set realistic budgets and make smart purchasing decisions. The program, conducted in conjunction with GM dealers and other partners, helps to increase awareness and understanding of automotive financing, unlock the mysteries of personal credit and help consumers decide whether buying or leasing a new vehicle is right for them. In addition to helping consumers understand the factors that affect their credit score, SmartEdge provides information on understanding the choices available and knowing what can be negotiated at the dealership.
"A well-prepared customer is the best customer to have," said John P. Jones, principal owner of Greenfield Pontiac Buick GMC in Milwaukee, Wis. "SmartEdge by GMAC allows dealers like me to help ensure our customers have all the information, tools and resources they need to take control of their finances--before they make a purchase--and help them make vehicle financing decisions that they will be able to sustain over time."
SmartEdge by GMAC offers the following tips for car buyers:
* Know your credit score. The rate you pay on financing is based in part on your credit rating. As a general rule, the better your credit score, the lower the rate.
* Establish a good credit history. Pay your bills on time; maintain a small amount of total debt; and minimize the amount of open credit you have available.
* Determine how much you can afford. Itemize your monthly income and expenses and create a budget to determine how much you can afford to pay on a car purchase or lease. As a general rule, your monthly car payment should not exceed 15-20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.
* Know what you're talking about. Familiarize yourself with key financial terms. For example, understanding "APR" is important when you finance and "Residual Value" is important to know when you lease.
* Learn how to make smart choices. Know what is negotiable at the dealership; how finance and lease incentives work; and what optional products you may choose to add to your contract or lease agreement.
* Understand the differences between buying and leasing. Make sure you have taken your lifestyle into consideration so you can make an accurate comparison between the two.
SmartEdge by GMAC is free to everyone - with absolutely no strings attached - and provides tips for car buyers and useful information such as step-by-step comparisons of the costs of purchasing and leasing.
SmartEdge seminars can be attended locally in communities across the country. Written materials and videos are available online at www.SmartEdgebyGMAC.com.
Posted by Frank at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)
GM moving huge chunk of advertising dollars to new agency
General Motors Corp. plans to announce tomorrow that it will move a major chunk of its corporate-ad account from Interpublic Group of Cos.' McCann Erickson, Birmingham, Mich., to sibling Deutsch, Los Angeles.
The move will be another major coup for Deutsch, which got its foot in the door at the automaker last fall, when the agency started negotiations for Chevrolet's 2006 Major League Baseball and motor-sports marketing efforts. That business had been handled by Interpublic sibling Campbell-Ewald, Warren, Mich., which remains agency of record for Chevrolet, GM's biggest-selling vehicle. Deutsch recently completed work on the automaker's "Elevate" campaign.
GM's Mark LaNeve, VP-vehicle sales, service and marketing in North America, told Advertising Age he wasn't ready to discuss the matter. He maintained GM doesn't exactly have a "corporate account," but that its so-called reputational ads encompass everything from its OnStar service to Deutsch's "Elevate" ads that broke earlier this month for the automaker's new expanded warranty on all its 2007 models.
"We are looking at bringing in additional talent in that [reputational] area," he told Advertising Age. McCann, he said, will continue to handle national "retail stuff."
Executives from McCann declined comment; executives from Deutsch, Los Angeles did not return calls by press time.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)
Chrysler Plans Major Increase in Second-Half Ad Spending
Expects to Hike Outlay in Certain Months for Remainder of 2006
Chrysler Group's advertising spending "is going up dramatically" in the later part of this year, President-CEO Tom LaSorda said here today after a speech to the Automotive Press Association. The automaker will more than double spending "in certain months" compared with what was spent in the first half of 2006, he said.
The outlay will go partly toward its new-model launches. George Murphy, senior VP-marketing at Chrysler, told Advertising Age in June the automaker was conserving ad dollars from the first half of the year for the eight new-product launches in the later part of the year. Those launches include the Dodge Nitro sport utility vehicle, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Ram 3500, Chrysler Aspen SUV and Chrysler Sebring sedan, and for Jeep, the Patriot, Compass, an all-new Wrangler and the first four-door Wrangler. The marketer spent $527 million in U.S. measured media in the first half of this year, according to TNS Media Intelligence.
But the company is also planning some branding ads that will hit on the corporate blending of DaimlerChrysler's American and German engineering. Mr. LaSorda declined to discuss what form the next round of the "Dr. Z" ads with DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche will take; the initial "Dr. Z" spots left airwaves about a month ago.
Link.
Posted by Frank at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
Mercedes To Introduce Three Diesels in 2008
Mercedes-Benz said it would introduce to the U.S. market in 2008 three diesel models – the M and GL SUVs and R-Class sport wagons equipped with the automaker's Bluetec emissions technology and a 3.0-liter, V-6 diesel that could achieve 35 miles per gallon, reports The Los Angeles Times.
Unlike the "hands-off" clean diesel engine unveiled by Honda, the Mercedes system requires motorists to periodically replenish the urea to ensure clean emissions. Mercedes will design the vehicles to meet the California's tough emissions standards.
Posted by Frank at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)
Toyota Prepares To Adjust To Slow Start for New Tundra
Toyota's concern over fuel costs has caused the automaker to prepare for a slow sales start for the newest version of the Tundra pickup truck, set to go on sale in February 2007, reports The Wall Street Journal.
One measure Toyota is considering is to impose more manufacturing flexibility in its U.S.-based truck assembly plants in order to produce a broader range of light trucks – pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs -- on a given assembly line, thus absorbing any possible slips in product sales.
Toyota manufacturing officials say they have also begun exploring the possibility of bringing more truck-based vehicles to the a