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News Wire: GMC Introduces Modern, Bold Design on 2018 Terrain

January 8, 2017GMCadmin

(this article originally appeared on GMC.com)

2018 All-New GMC Terrain SLT (Left) and Denali (Right). © General Motors

DETROIT — GMC today introduced the all-new 2018 Terrain and unveiled the next chapter of GMC design via a boldly styled and intelligently engineered successor to the brand’s popular compact SUV. The Terrain offers greater refinement and versatility to adapt to customers’ unique needs, and it’s packed with more available advanced safety technologies than ever before.

GMC offers customers the widest range of choices yet, with three all-new available turbocharged propulsion systems, including a new turbo-diesel. Two new efficiency-enhancing nine-speed automatic transmissions are matched with the gas engines — a first application for the GMC lineup.

Continuing the momentum of owning 25 percent of GMC’s overall retail sales, Denali returns to the Terrain with greater exclusivity than ever, offering a distinctive range-topping design and uniquely refined features.

“GMC’s strong growth over the past decade is due in large part to Terrain,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of global GMC Sales and Marketing. “The all-new Terrain builds on that success, leveraging GMC’s proven premium SUV experience to shake up the largest vehicle segment, with a strong blend of design, functionality and engineering excellence.”

The 2018 Terrain goes on sale this summer in SL, SLE, SLT and Denali models, maintaining the momentum created by the first-generation model, of which more than 700,000 have been sold in North America since it went on sale in 2009.

Bold, modern design

The new Terrain’s bold exterior signals the next chapter of GMC’s design language, evolving the brand’s signature cues with stronger, sharper and more sculpted elements such as the grille and lighting features. Its shape was refined in the wind tunnel to help ensure the distinctive profile cuts through the air with optimal efficiency and quietness.

“It is a striking design with functional beauty,” said Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design. “There’s confidence and optimism in its stance, with exceptional attention to detail that speaks to GMC’s rise as a premium brand.”

Elevating GMC’s new design, the all-new Terrain Denali will feature its signature chrome grille along with Denali-specific accents including body-color fascias and lower trim, plus chrome roof rails, door handles, side mirror caps and body-side molding. Additionally, LED headlamps and 19-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels are standard on Denali.

All other models feature signature LED daytime running lamps and tail lamps. Bi-functional HID headlamps are standard on SL, SLE and SLT. Additionally, 17-inch wheels are standard on SL and SLE, with 18-inch wheels available on SL and SLE, and standard on SLT.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

News Wire: All 6 2017 Buick Models Offer NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for Safety

January 6, 2017Buickadmin

(this article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Three consecutive years of brand-wide safety leadership for Buick

DETROIT — Buick’s all-new 2017 LaCrosse flagship sedan has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety rating¹, giving Buick a NHTSA five-star sweep across its entire tested lineup of premium vehicles for the third consecutive year. Buick was one of only two brands in the industry to earn a five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety ratings on every model with its 2015 product line, and every Buick vehicle tested since has been rated at this highest level.

In 2016, four all-new or significantly enhanced Buick vehicles were launched in the U.S., and each one earned NHTSA’s five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety ratings — including the Cascada, which is the first convertible for 2017 with a five-star Overall Vehicle Score.

“We know safety is top of mind for buyers when shopping for new vehicles, and the recent ratings by NHTSA showcase our brand’s dedication to providing our customers with safe, reliable transportation,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “We’ve launched four new vehicles in 2016 and we are extremely proud to continue to offer a lineup of award-winning vehicles that have NHTSA five-star Overall Vehicle Score ratings across the board.”

On sale since August 2016, the 2017 LaCrosse is longer, lower and wider than the previous generation. The car’s safety, handling and efficiency benefit from its advanced structure, thanks to the use of stronger, lighter press-hardened and high-strength steels. LaCrosse is a perfect blend of sophisticated technologies, advanced safety systems and authentic craftsmanship and continues to be Buick’s flagship sedan.

The Buick lineup offers a host of innovative safety features, including the company’s patented Safety Alert Seat, which provides alerts to the driver using haptic seat vibrations. The 2017 Enclave also offers the segment’s only front-center air bag, delivering enhanced protection to front passengers in side collisions. The all-new LaCrosse is the first Buick to offer Front Pedestrian Braking, helping to provide peace of mind for those inside the car and enhanced safety for those outside of the car.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

News Wire: Buick’s Secret to Better Driving – OnStar Smart Driver

December 12, 2016Buickadmin

(this article originally appeared on Buick.com)

After enrolling in OnStar Smart Driver, customers with eligible vehicles receive ongoing driving behavior feedback, such as hard braking, hard acceleration, late night driving, distance driven, time spent idle, speeds over 80 mph, average MPG and average MPH, as well as helpful tips to enhance their driving skills. This is compiled into an overall OnStar Smart Driver score, which can be compared anonymously against other drivers enrolled in the service. ©️ General Motors

DETROIT — With OnStar Smart Driver, your Buick can now work with you to develop better driving skills. This recently launched opt-in service is available for most 2015-17 model year Buick vehicles as part of the OnStar Basic Plan ¹ at no additional cost.

OnStar Smart Driver is designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance, reduce wear and tear, monitor fuel efficiency and become better drivers – all factors that can help save owners money as well.

Once enrolled, customers have online access via OnStar.com to information about their driving behavior, including:

OnStar Smart Driver score – calculated with driving data that can be sorted by day, week, month, year and lifetime
Historical OnStar Smart Driver scores
Total number of hard braking events and where they took place
Total number of hard acceleration events and where they took place
High-speed driving percentage
Late-night driving percentage
Total miles driven
Average MPG and MPH
Comparisons to the aggregate total of all other enrolled drivers
Helpful tips on how to become a smarter driver

Customers may also choose to enroll in the Insurance Discounts Eligibility² portion of the service, which is a risk-free way to see if their driving behavior qualifies them for discounts, without revealing any personal details to insurance companies.

Participating insurance companies currently include Progressive, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide, and good driving behavior can lead to potential savings of up to 30 percent on car insurance.

¹ OnStar Basic Plan is available for five years from the delivery date of eligible 2015 model year and newer vehicles and is transferable. Basic Plan does not include Emergency, Security or Navigation services; these and other services require a paid plan. Visit onstar.com for details.

² OnStar, General Motors and their affiliates are not insurance providers and are not insurance producers, and do not endorse any particular insurance provider or insurance producer. You should only obtain insurance and insurance advice from a licensed insurance provider.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

News Wire: 2017 Buick Envision AWD Earns 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for Safety Rating by NHTSA

December 8, 2016Buickadmin

(this article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating extended into 2017 when vehicle is equipped with front crash prevention and high intensity headlights

DETROIT — The 2017 Buick Envision AWD compact SUV has earned a five-star overall vehicle score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — an accolade achieved by every Buick model rated for two consecutive model years.¹

Earlier this year, the Envision also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) best possible rating, a 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) when equipped with optional front crash prevention. Today that rating was extended into the 2017 calendar year as the Envision with optional front crash prevention and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights was named a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

“Safety, quality and craftsmanship are designed into every Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “Earning top ratings from some of the industry’s most important safety organizations validates not only the excellence of the Envision, but further builds the Buick brand’s reputation as a leader in safety and quality, two attributes high on every shopper’s list.”

The Envision offers customers an extensive list of standard and available safety features, both active and passive. These safety technologies utilize a combination of five cameras and 13 radar and ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle to help offer owners peace of mind behind the wheel. Envision also features a robust body structure that incorporates extensive use of mass-reducing high-strength steel.

Envision’s available Forward Collision Alert and Forward Automatic Braking systems, which can help drivers avoid collisions, were vital to obtaining the 2016 IIHS TSP+ rating. That rating requires a vehicle to score Good on a multitude of IIHS crashworthiness tests and receive an Advanced or Superior score on front crash prevention, which was a new IIHS requirement in 2016. The 2017 IIHS TSP+ rating requires a vehicle to earn Good ratings in the crashworthiness tests, an Advanced or Superior rating for front crash prevention and a Good or Acceptable headlight rating.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

News Wire: GMC and Chevrolet Expand Alternative Fuel Fleet Offerings

November 21, 2016GMCadmin

(this article originally appeared on GMC.com)

Expanded CNG/LPG lineup broadens fuel diversification choices

DETROIT — GMC and Chevrolet announced today that they are partnering with Power Solutions International, Inc. (PSI) to introduce heavy-duty pickups and full-size vans powered by 6.0-liter V-8 compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-capable engines starting in the first quarter of 2017. Chevrolet also will offer CNG and LPG versions of its new Low Cab Forward commercial truck.

The announcement follows the selection of PSI, based in Wood Dale, Illinois, as General Motors Fleet’s preferred upfitter for CNG and LPG trucks. PSI is one of North America’s largest and most experienced providers of integrated turnkey alternative-fuel powertrain solutions.

Ship-through will be offered, allowing customers to seamlessly order and take delivery from the same dealer. GM will supply vehicles equipped with the 6.0L V-8 engine with hardened valves and valve seats to PSI, which in turn will install the fuel system and other hardware and ship directly to Chevrolet and GMC dealers in all 50 states. All PSI-modified vehicles are covered by Chevrolet and GMC’s five-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited powertrain warranty.

The expanded lineup brings GM Fleet’s portfolio of alternative fuel, hybrid and EVs to more than a dozen trucks, cars and crossovers. Other recent additions include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, a Duramax 2.8-liter B20-capable Duramax diesel for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans and all-new available 6.6-liter B20-capable Duramax diesel engines for the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD.

“Expanding choice is the key to helping more commercial and government fleets reduce their fuel consumption, fuel costs and emissions using alternative fuels and EVs versus using traditional gasoline,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet. “There are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions for fleet managers.”

GM Fleet’s partnership with PSI follows customer demand and ongoing investment by companies across the nation in CNG refueling infrastructure.

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

Buick Expands Cascada Sport Touring Appeal With New Sport Red Exterior

November 14, 2016Buickadmin

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Sport Red 2017 Cascada Sport Touring with Dark Effects Package © General Motors

New model includes exclusive Dark Effects package

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — When Buick introduced the all-new Cascada convertible early this year, it was an invitation to drivers who want to live life wide open with features unexpected in a convertible. In a market devoid of options, the Cascada has found success by offering a quiet, three-layer insulated top and stress-reducing engineering at a price that leaves room in your budget to explore the open road. Cascada also has the honor of being the first 2017 convertible to receive a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score for Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration¹.

In the months since the Cascada launched, its competitive set hasn’t grown, but choice within the Cascada portfolio has. The latest sport touring color introduction — Sport Red — is the response to customers who asked for a brilliant shade of red.

“We’ve heard it from customers all year: ‘What a beautiful car. Can I get it in red?’ Well yes, now you can,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “This new addition to the Cascada portfolio offers a modern style statement with blacked-out exterior trim and red interior stitching.”

Exterior styling is a top consideration for customers, and the Cascada’s new Dark Effects package makes a unique statement. The package features a gloss-black finish on the grille, mirror caps and 20-inch wheels, as well as body-color trim across the decklid. Inside, new red stitching adds contrast to the instrument panel, doors and seats. The package is paired exclusively with the new Sport Red exterior color and is available only on the Cascada Sport Touring model in limited volume — 150 initial vehicles will arrive starting February 1, 2017.

The new Sport Touring Cascada in Sport Red with the exclusive Dark Effects package is the second unique expression added to Buick’s convertible lineup this year. Earlier this fall, the 2017 Cascada Sport Touringlaunched with a vibrant True Blue exterior color, an exclusive new 20-inch wheel design and sporty interior trim.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

Customers Rank Buick Highest Among Mass Market Brands for Sales Satisfaction

November 11, 2016Buickadmin

(this article originally appeared on Buick.com)

J.D. Power study notes new owner education key to higher satisfaction

DETROIT – As Buick continues to delight customers with its beautiful, whisper-quiet and quality-driven cars and SUVs, it is also ensuring they have the greatest possible experience learning about their vehicles. J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study ranks Buick the highest among mass market brands.

A brand’s ability to help new-vehicle owners understand technology and enhance the overall ownership experience are key to high SSI rankings. In brand sales satisfaction rankings, Buick earned the highest marks with a score of 809 (based on a 1,000-point scale).

“We know a positive customer experience goes well beyond great product,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “Our sales satisfaction ranking shows that our ability to deliver a meaningful purchase-to-ownership process is paying off for our customers well beyond when they leave our stores.”

The SSI Study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience that measures customer satisfaction with their dealer. It is based on responses from nearly 29,000 buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicle in April or May of 2016.

Read the entire article on Buick.com!

5 Tips For Driving In The Rain

May 31, 2016Safe Driving, Tips and HIntsadmin

These past couple of weeks we have seen a bit of rain, to say the least. It has put a good amount of water on the ground and snarled traffic all throughout the metroplex. I happened to get caught in the rain and it got me thinking. Some people just don’t know how to drive safely in the rain. I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 tips for driving in the rain.

Turn on your headlights. If your car has daytime running lamps, then there’s a good possibility that your rear lights are not on. Be sure to turn them on so people who are behind you can see where you are!
Slow down! This is a no-brainer. The faster you are going, the less time you have to react to someone hydroplaning or slowing down.
Don’t follow large vehicles. The spray from their tires reduces your visibility drastically. If you must pass them, do so quickly.
Replace your old windshield wipers. I cannot stress this enough. Wipers are the key to your visibility in any amount of rain. If you can’t see, you shouldn’t be driving.
Don’t be afraid to get off the road. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, no one will think less of you for pulling over and waiting for the rain to let up.

The weather in North Texas can be unpredictable much like the downpour we have seen these past couple of weeks. Knowing how to drive in sudden rain-storms is a very valuable skill that we all need to have. There are so many more factors that go into driving safely in the rain, this list is just the tip of the iceberg.

Whatever you do, don’t be this guy!

GMC Expands Military Discount, Advances Campaign to Support Injured Veterans

April 6, 2016GMCadmin

(This article originally appeared on GMC.com)

GMC launched the #enlistme Campaign in support of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its Building for America’s Bravest program to raise awareness and funds to help the Foundation build custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely injured veterans. © General Motors.

DETROIT – Today through May 31, 2016, GMC will expand its military discount program for all 21 million U.S. military veterans and their spouses, in honor of National Military Appreciation Month.

“These brave men and women have done so much for our country,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president of U.S. sales and service. “Making sure all veterans can take advantage of our military discount to celebrate Military Appreciation Month is one small way we can express our gratitude.”

GMC offers the industry’s most comprehensive automotive military discount program. The military discount program is typically available to U.S. military veterans within one year of separation, active-duty personnel, reservists, retirees and their spouses. In honor of May’s National Military Appreciation Month, the program expands to include all veterans – regardless of their separation date – and their spouses.

The discount is available for popular models, including the GMC Acadia, Sierra and Yukon. Because the discount can be combined with most current incentives, veterans could save thousands of dollars on some vehicles. For more information, visit gmmilitarydiscount.com.

GMC’s support for the U.S. military began more than 100 years ago when the U.S. Army began to rely on its trucks during WWI. Today, the tradition continues as GMC’s recently launched #enlistme campaign helps the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation and its Building For America’s Bravest program build smart homes for veterans with serious combat injuries.

“Too many severely injured servicemen and women are returning to homes that just don’t meet the needs of their individual conditions,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC Sales, Service and Marketing. “With the #enlistme campaign, GMC invites everyone to honor these brave veterans by showing their support on social media and making a donation.”

Read the entire article on GMC.com!

Buick Enclave Blows the Bell Curve

January 29, 2015Buickadmin

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Another year of record sales defies industry trends, fuels Buick’s global momentum

Buick Enclave’s 62,300 sales in the United States in 2014 represented the second consecutive year of record sales for Buick’s flagship crossover and built on momentum that has barely paused since its launch in mid-2007.

While most vehicles follow somewhat of a bell curve for sales during their lifecycle, the Enclave has continued on an upward trajectory after more than seven years. Minor dips in 2009 and 2012 reflected overall trends in the recovering auto industry, but record-setting 2014 sales represented a 39-percent increase over the Enclave’s first full year of production.

More than 450,000 Enclave models have been sold worldwide since its launch.

Enclave U.S. sales history

2007: 29,286 (mid-year introduction)
2008: 44,706
2009: 43,150
2010: 55,426
2011: 58,392
2012: 56,703
2013: 60,534
2014: 62,300

“Few vehicles in any segment of the industry enjoy such a legacy of increasing popularly,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “In fact, many customers are enjoying their second or third Enclave. The Enclave has also been a cornerstone of Buick’s product renaissance, which saw a second consecutive year of record global sales in 2014.”

Said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book: “The Buick Enclave was really the perfect vehicle at the perfect time. It instantly expanded the brand’s reach by offering an attractive and functional SUV with luxury amenities. The three-row SUV segment was struggling in 2007, yet the Enclave drew a core group of buyers upon release and has continually expanded that group as SUV interest grew in recent years.

“This consistent growth curve is testament to how ‘right’ Buick got the Enclave at launch, along with how effectively the brand has supported its full-size SUV in the following years,” Brauer said.

Enclave received Kelley Blue Book’s 2014 5-Year Cost-to-Own award for the full-size luxury SUV/crossover category.

For 2015, the Enclave adds a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel to its roster of luxury features. It is offered in three trim levels: Convenience (1SD), Leather (1SL) and Premium (1SN). All-wheel drive is available on Leather and Premium trims, and

all models are powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

Experience Buick Protection on all 2015 Buick models includes two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, oil filter changes and tire rotations. It complements Buick’s four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

“The Enclave continues to attract new and returning customers to its mix of its outstanding design, performance and safety features,” Aldred said.

(view the original article on Buick.com)