Tag Archives: Fort Worth Buick

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.

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.

Cars Built with Crossbows, Snakes and Headbutts

Hands down, this has to be the most insane car commercial I’ve ever seen. Thanks to the good people at autoblog.net for educating me on the fact that there is definitely something strange in European water>

Skoda is busy pushing its new Fabia vRS on the unsuspecting public across the pond with a new ad for the pint-sized hatch. Far from the cuddly machines of the competition, the Fabia vRS is apparently hewn melted-down katana swords, razor wire, snake venom and burnt rubber. Even the windshield wipers are constructed from bits of a crossbow, at least in make-believe land. The spot features manly men doing manly things to build the little five-door. Sure does make you wonder what goes into putting the 2011 Sierra Denali together.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE-jgcstqIg&feature=player_embedded

See what I mean? It’s gotta be in the water over there.

What can a Car Dealer do to feed the Hungry In DFW?

That’s actually a rhetorical question. The one great thing about running a car dealership is there are so many thing that I can do for my community because of my resources and outlets.

The North Texas Food Bank for example is 40% down in food reserves from last year. This is a considerable burden on North Texas Families this holiday season. It is certain difficult to know that so many in my area are in desperate need of food and clothing this year, so difficult that I’ve taken it upon myself to have start a friendly competition with Classic Chevrolet across the street to see who can gain the most fans and donate the most food.

For Every new fan we get I’ll donate $1 to the North Texas Food Bank. If you want too bring by cans of food to Freeman Grapevine, for every 5 cans you will get lottery ticket for a $1,000 Shopping spree. We ant to make it something everyone can be proud of and we know it takes a little effort on your part, so Freeman Grapevine is willing to throw some rewards your way too.

Think about it. All you have to do is fan our facebook page and that is a $1 donated to the NTFB. That $1 can buy 4 meals. Really! Just $1 dollar can feed an entire family! Even if you don’t live in the DFW area, your simple act of kindness can really help Americans who have been the hardest hit by our lowest economic down turn ever.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr07K6ddsu4

I’m not begging for fans, this isn’t a sales pitch…in fact I using my blog to out reach to my readers to help out my community that is in dire need of assistance this holiday. So while you are grocery shopping for that 28 lb turkey with all of the fixins’, remember you probably have a neighbor who is lucky to eat just a peanut butter sandwich…and I’ll tell you what, I’ll bet they are as, if not more appreciative of that meal than a person who’s plate is loaded with food they probably won’t even finish.

If you’d like to fan the page so I can donate in your name, just follow the link and like us www.facebook.com/freemangrapevine

Thank you in advance for your selflessness. This holiday season, the homeless and hungry need you help and I can help you help give. just visit our FB page and like it.

Thank you for your giving from Freeman Grapevine, The North Texas Food Bank and the hungry North Texans.

Ozzie

Weekend Poll: DFW, what’s your favorite GMC SUV model?

Before the weekend, I thought that it would be fun to take a poll on your favorite GMC Sport Utility models. There’s no doubt that GMC has a lot to offer in this category so if any of these models catch your eye, then place your vote below! I’d love to know your favorite!

If you’re interested any of these models, come see me, and I’ll take you for test-drive personally!