All posts by Ozzie

Fort Worth: OnStar is having a contest and you should enter!

Why? Because it could mean you could be one of 10 lucky OnStar users to win a brand new Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC of their choosing.

Here are all the details from autoblog.com.

Starting today, General Motors is holding a car giveaway sweepstakes through its OnStar division. The contest will award 10 lucky OnStar users a brand new Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick or GMC of their choosing. To enter, contestants need only to push their vehicle’s OnStar button.

According to GM, it’s not necessary for the contestants to be OnStar subscribers to enter – all you need is an OnStar-equppied vehicle and you’re ready to go. The idea here is that non-subscribing customers enter the contest and realize the many benefits of having OnStar.

The winners of the contest will be allowed to pick any General Motors product as their prize – everything from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 or Cadillac CTS-V to the Buick Regal or GMC Canyon. (Pick the CTS-V Sport Wagon. You’ll thank us later.) The only vehicle off limits is the illustrious Chevrolet Volt. GM’s contest is open for entries until May 31. Hit the jump for GM’s official press release.

So there you go, sports’ fans. This is definitely a contest to enter so start hitting those “OnStar” buttons! I just happen to know where you can find some too!

Fort Worth: Heavy GM incentives are putting them on top

In the wake of heavy incentives and deals, eyes all over the business are on GM as they enjoy a sharp surge in sales. While GM defends its level of incentives and says that they are not much higher than those of the industry at large. The business has been showing signs of life after a near collapse two years ago, but analysts warn that a price war could lead to legions of unsold vehicles.
Over production is one of the main attributes credited with leading to the automotive collapse, especially with regard to GM.

“The real question is Ford (F, Fortune 500) and how much longer they will allow GM to add share without responding with price cuts of their own,” said Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive of Edmunds.com.

Ford’s share for the first two months of 2011 was down 1.3% when compared to the same period in 2010, while GMs share rose. Incentive spending for that period in 2011 was noticeably higher on the part of GM – almost $1,100 per vehicle. GM says that incentives can not take the sole credit for the sales boost enjoyed by the company.

This is certainly good news for GM and for Freeman Grapevine! If you are interested in some of these amazing incentives and discounts, then you’ve gotta come and check em out!

My Freeman Grapevine Experience

Thank you Freeman Grapevine.  I just bought a new 2011 Buick Enclave and love it. All of my friends are jealous.    I‚m writing to tell you my experience at Freeman Grapevine was the most hassle-free car purchase I ever made.  You were patient with me and answered all my questions [I had a lot].    I‚ll definitely recommend you to all of my friends.  Thanks again.  Gary W

Turbo Buick and 32 mpg? Believe it, Fort Worth!

It used to be that if you wanted a car with more horsepower, you’d have to settle for a car that gets less gas mileage. Not so with the Buick Regal Turbo. In these times of fluctuating gas prices, the emphasis has understandably been focused on gas sipping, low horsepower people movers with style and performance taking a back seat. This is not the  case with the late 2011 introduction of the Buick Regal Turbo.

According to automedia.com:

The Regal Turbo returns late on 2011, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Performance is core to the character, offering a sporty alternative to the current 2.4-liter naturally aspirated version, yet this time it is fuel economy that is the main boast. Buick original claimed the turbo would hit 29 mpg on the highway, but the lux division has announced that the car will be EPA rated for 32 mpg. Around town, it will get a less-inspiring 20-mpg city rating.

To put those numbers in perspective, the Buick Turbo produces 220 horsepower, besting the Acura TSX and Volkswagen CC by about 20 hp each. More noticeably, the Buick trounces the Acura with 86 more lbs.-ft. of torque. The VW is bested by 51 lbs.-ft.  And yes, the Buick with a six-speed manual transmission will also get better highway mileage.

The Buick Regal Turbo’s most popular transmission of choice will most likely be automatic, but it will also offer three driver-selectable modes that will alter the car’s personality by adjusting suspension tuning, shift pattern, and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. Thus giving the Regal owner more control and they opportunity to adjust the car to their driving habits as opposed to having to adjust to the car itself.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7rv-YiUAks

At a sticker of just over 28K for an turbo automatic, this car is definitely something you need to drive for yourself. The fact that you get more car for your money? Well that’s just added bonus for you.

Anyone wanting to take a test drive should swing by my place. If you own or have already drivin’ the 2011 Buick Regal Turbo, then leave us a comment and tell us what you think about this car. I for one love it!

Ft. Worth: Get the GMC Acadia before it’s gone

In an effort to cut back it’s product line in the wake of a Government orchestrated bankruptcy, GM has decided to scrap the act of rebadging.

According to GMI, the Detroit automaker is doing all it can to refrain from rebadging and for that reason has decided to kill the next-generation Lambda-based GMC Acadia crossover.

The GMC Acadia launched in 2006 alongside other Lambda-platform based vehicles including the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and the Chevrolet Traverse.

That’s right, it may be a relative hot seller, but General Motors will reportedly ax the next-generation of the GMC Acadia crossover. The move will clear the way for a single Lambda-based vehicle for GM’s Buick-GMC outlets.

Although GM has sworn off the days of badge engineering, the Detroit automaker has offered up to four-different Lambda variants at any given time, including the GMC Acadia. That many models on a single platform caused some inherent overlap, but GM will address that issue with the next-generation of Lambda vehicles.

According to GMInsideNews, GM has canceled a second-generation of the GMC Acadia. While the decision to pull the plug on the Acadia will undoubtedly cost GM some sales, the redesign Buick Enclave – which also rides on the Lambda platform – should more than pick up the slack in Buick-GMC showrooms. In fact, the Enclave is selling so well that GM is reportedly considering increasing production at its Lansing Delta Township plant.

The next-generation Buick Enclave is expected to arrive in 2015.

Second time’s a charm
The latest report actually marks the second time GM has decided to cancel the Acadia project. GM originally halted work on the next-generation Acadia in late 2008 as the company considered shuttering the entire GMC brand. However, work resumed on the Acadia in the summer of 2009.

Now keep in mind that the Acadia is a great vehicle, the abandoning of rebadging is GM’s way of, for the lack of a better term, “trimming the fat”. The 2011 Acadia is still available, but for how long? Your guess is as good as ours. Come and check out the Acadia any time You gotta’ get it while it’s hot and before it’s gone from the lot!

Fort Worth: More Car Theft Figures

Did you know that a car is stolen in Texas every five and a half minutes. More vehicles are stolen between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. than any other time. In 2003, more than 98,000 vehicles were stolen in Texas.In 2005, more than 93,471 vehicles were stolen in Texas.

In 2009, 76,617 vehicles were stolen in Texas, accounting for an economic loss totaling $736,487,759.  285,501 thefts from motor vehicles including motor vehicle parts offenses occurred in Texas, accounting for an economic loss totaling $220,315,208.
The top five stolen vehicles in Texas are: Ford Pickup, Chevy Pickup, Dodge Pickup, Honda Civic, and the Honda Accord.

Cars are getting more secure these days and thus harder to boost which is why we are seeing the numbers of car thefts decreasing. However, vehicle burglaries and break-ins are increasing due the fact that our cars are now filled with expensive GPS systems, iPods, Smart Phones, computers, handbags and a list of other things that are too hard for a criminal to resist when left out in the open.

Remember, take your valuables in with you or totally conceal them. All of us here at Freeman really want to keep you, your vehicle and valuables safe. Victims are usually the people who are not aware or alert…rendering them an easy target.

Be safe!!!

How to finance a used car loan

Should you want to purchase a used car and wish to have it financed, but do not know where or how to go about it, then this info is for you.  Where do you find financing for a used car loan?  In most cases getting any used vehicles financed will involve paying higher interest rates than any new car loan.  Also having any used car financed could involve a higher rate down payment, but that also varies depending upon your credit score.

First here’s a video differentiating between a loan and a lease just as a refresher;

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgDV8JTYow

When you are ready to get a used (previously owned) car financed from a dealership then first you will want to choose a certified pre-owned auto that will be on site and available from the dealers car lot.  Then begin with some negotiating for the price and purchase of this used automobile long before ever getting yourself involved with any arrangements for the financing.  Check prices on line so you have all of your negotiating tools ready when it comes down to sitting with the salesman.

You can get yourself plenty of used car quotes, right over the internet, before you ever start making any deals towards the purchase of a used car.  When you are online be sure to check the terms of the used car loan and also the rate of the interest at one of the many websites that will offer you this kind of information.  Going online for financing will result in you getting some of the best rates available via direct to consumer financing and could help you get the best sales price for your used car.  Start looking around for some alternative financing for a used car loan should you be planning on purchasing a used (previously owned) car.  Many of the lenders will offer a lower interest rate for newer cars than used cars. Finally be sure to know just what your credit score is whenever you are ready to discuss any financing options.

Remember, the higher your credit score, the lower the rates.  Should you have a score above 680, you should be able to get very fair terms in regard to any financing of a used vehicle, via your online source.

If you have any more questions about financing, don’t hesitate to give me a call and I can go over your options in greater detail.

Check out the New Buick Verano

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan, the brand’s third new model
in the past two years and first in the compact luxury segment, has been revealed at the North American International Auto Show.

Verano goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, the latest model in a product renaissance that began with the Enclave and continued with the LaCrosse and Regal. Like them, Verano is distinguished by luxury and technology, including 10 standard air bags, an available heated steering wheel and a next-generation radio system with OnStar-powered connectivity that enables seamless communication between the Verano and the driver’s smart phone.

According to Kelly Blue Book:

Aimed at tapping into a long-unexplored market segment, the 2012 Buick Verano marks the division’s first foray into the upscale compact arena in more than two decades. Slotting in under the new Regal in size and price, this front-drive four-door will offer an impressive combination of luxury and economy that John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing, contends should allow it to successfully vie with rivals like the Audi A3 and Lexus IS250 for the hearts, minds and wallets of a new generation of younger, value-oriented buyers.

Check it out at the 2011 Detroit Autoshow below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0Lq6739x6U

Fort Worth, as soon as your are ready for a test drive just give us a call or swing by. This is a great addition to the Buick lineup and I know you’ll agree.

GM Gadget Alert…Calling all Geeks!

I love gadgets, I love technology. I love stuff that makes our life easier. We’re surrounded by so many plugs, outlets, cables and other stuff that either just gets in the way, lost or broken. How easy would it be for you to lay down your smart phone or other device and have it charge seemingly by itself?

GM knows.

If you’re a gadget geek, you’ve probably heard of or seen the Powermat, the home and portable device that recharges your phone wirelessly. You put a case around your phone, and when it’s placed on the mat, the battery is recharged through magnetic induction.

Now these will probably first see their way in to some GM models first just before hitting the big boys at GMC. Until then, I’ll be counting down the time until I can get rid of the car charger and freeing up my powerpoints for other, more useful items…Like this ultimate tailgating boom box!

I think I could fill Cowboy's Stadium with this bad boy!

Come and check out all of the optional gadgets that your local GMC dealer can supply in your new GMC…Geek approved.

One Reason to Drive in Texas Is Great

The traffic!

“Really, Ozzie? Did you just say the traffic?”

Yup, I sure did! Think about it, for all of the congestion we sit in, for all of the hours wasted milling in a seemingly never ending sea of cars we still don’t have it as bad as some places in the US.

So where is the worst traffic in the us located? Well according to the New York Times…they do. That’s right, New York take a look:

This Thanksgiving weekend, more than 40 million people will drive more than 50 miles from their homes, according to AAA. That’s bad news for New Yorkers, according to Navteq, a map and traffic provider, which recently released its list of most congested cities in North America. Not only did New York City top the list, it also ranked No. 1 for the worst rush-hour roads, with the northbound lanes of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel coming in first, followed by the eastbound George Washington Bridge.

Worst Rush Hours in the United States

1. New York City
2. Washington
3. San Francisco
4. Seattle
5. Los Angeles
6. Philadelphia
7. Chicago
8. Dallas-Ft.Worth
9. Atlanta
10. Houston

Freeways with the Slowest Typical Rush Hour

1. New York City – Brooklyn Battery Tunnel (northbound)
2. New York City – George Washington Bridge (eastbound)
3. Montreal – Autoroute 15 – (eastbound)
4. Philadelphia – U.S. 202 (southbound)
5. Montreal – Route 138 (westbound)
6. New York City – George Washington Bridge (westbound)
7. Los Angeles – 1-10 (eastbound)
8. Boston – U.S. 1 (northbound)
9. Dallas – Texas State Highway Spur 366 (eastbound)
10. Toronto – Don Valley Parkway (northbound)

Hey would you look at that Dallas Fort Worth…we’re only number 8 on the list. That seems about right. Of course, sometime the amount of traffic outside of my dealership on 121 would make me think that DFW was higher on the list.