All posts by Ozzie

GMC Introduces 2015 Canyon Nightfall Edition

January 9, 2015GMCOzzie

The 2015 GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition featuring a body-color grille, 18" aluminum wheels and black body accents, offers customers a stylish package at a great value. © General Motors — The 2015 GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition featuring a body-color grille, 18″ aluminum wheels and black body accents, offers customers a stylish package at a great value. © General Motors

(this article was originally published on gmc.com)

Special edition model offers sleek, shadowy appearance

DETROIT – GMC today introduced the 2015 Canyon Nightfall Edition – a stylized, blacked-out edition of the brand’s all-new premium midsize truck that blends a dramatic appearance with popular features and accessories.

The Canyon Nightfall Edition is offered on SLE crew cab models, either 2WD or 4WD, in Onyx Black and will be available in the second quarter of 2015. In addition to standard equipment on the SLE, the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:

Unique black grille
Black assist steps
Factory spray-in bedliner
18-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels with Dark Argent painted inserts
Polished exhaust tip
Automatic climate control
Remote start

“The new Canyon Nightfall Edition expands the Canyon lineup and gives style-conscious customers another choice,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Importantly, customers get the great looks of the Canyon Nightfall Edition and its unique content at a greater value than ordering the features separately.”

The distinctive appearance of the Canyon Nightfall Edition reflects customer preferences for personalization and features that support different lifestyle interests. More than 40 percent of the initial orders for Canyon include at least one selection from the comprehensive collection of accessories GMC developed for the truck. The Canyon accessories portfolio includes the available GearOn™ system for optimal cargo management, as well as bed protection, styling enhancements and trailering components.

“The Canyon is a lifestyle enabler and its accessories lineup matches lifestyles of all types,” said Aldred. “The accessories take their inspiration from how customers use their vehicle, and they are crafted cohesively with the team of designers and engineers.”

Additional standard content on the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:

Rear-vision camera
Eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio with GMC IntelliLink
OnStar with 4G LTE and its standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes three-month/3GB data trial, whichever comes first)
Two USB ports for charging located on the rear of the center console in addition another USB port inside the console
Multi-color driver information center display
Soft-touch instrument panel with aluminum trim
Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
Remote keyless entry
Tilting and telescoping steering column
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
SiriusXM satellite radio (includes three-month trial)
Automatic locking rear differential (4WD models)

Canyon was named Autoweek’s Best of the Best truck for 2015. It offers the segment’s best horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy: 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 27 mpg highway (2WD) from a standard 2.5L I-4; and 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 26 mpg (2WD) from an available 3.6L V-6. The V-6 engine enables a segment-leading 7,000-pound trailering rating.

Read the full article on gmc.com.

Buick Sets Second Consecutive Annual Global Sales Record

January 9, 2015BuickOzzie

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Brand sells nearly 1.2 million vehicles with double-digit gains in U.S. and China

DETROIT– Buick delivered nearly 1.2 million vehicles in China, the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2014, marking the second consecutive sales record for the most Buicks sold in a single year in the brand’s 111-year history.

Strong growth in both China and North America resulted in global sales of 1,170,115 units, up 13.4 percent over 2013. China posted a 13.5 percent sales gain, while the U.S. delivered an 11.4 percent sales increase. Canada also saw strong sales growth, with a 31 percent increase over 2013. In the U.S., 42 percent of Buick buyers were new to the brand and to General Motors.

Buick experienced strong global growth in both crossovers and sedans from a product lineup that is among the freshest in the industry and the strongest the brand has ever featured.

The Encore small crossover ended 2014 with 138,218 sales globally, up 42 percent. The eight-passenger Enclave exceeded 66,000 sales to set an all-time sales record in North America. Exclusive to China, the GL8 posted an annual sales gain of 14.6 percent, while the all-new Envision sold 19,747 units in the first two months and was named Motor Trend China SUV of 2015.

In the sedan segment, the China-exclusive Excelle again delivered high volume in the compact sedan segment, delivering 293,908 sales. The Excelle GT and Verano compact sedans combined globally to deliver a 22.4 percent gain, while sales of the Regal were up 27.2 percent.

Country	2014 Volume	2013 Volume	Percent Change
China	919,582	809,918	13.5
United States	228,963	205,509	11.4
Canada	18,745	14,310	30.9
Mexico	2,825	2,319	21.8
Total	1,170,115	1,032,056	13.4%

Read the full article on buick.com.

The GMC Truck Legacy Continues To Dominate

January 5, 2015GMCOzzie

http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2015/Jan/0121-gmc-sales.html — Source: GMC.com

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC trucks, SUVs and crossovers. GMC covers the broad spectrum of customer needs in the pickup market with a premium truck in the midsize, light duty and heavy duty segments.

“In 2014 we had the freshest portfolio of GMC products on our lots including a full range of pickups, with the all-new Canyon,” said John Pitre, chief operating officer at Motor City Buick GMC in Bakersfield, Calif. “The new Yukon lineup has also driven high consumer interest to our store with its bold styling, especially the Yukon Denali.”

The all-new midsize 2015 GMC Canyon is pure GMC with premium materials, refinement and offers class-leading truck capabilities. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.

“GMC is a strong, premium brand that has continued to gain momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice President of GMC. “Refined, capable and appealing products are driving that momentum, and we intend to build on that in 2015 with both product and brand-centric initiatives.”

The newest GMC trucks are things that you really have see to believe. From the driver-centric details to the focus on job performance, the entire lineup is spectacular. Freeman Grapevine.

Ask Ozzie: The Gas Cap and The Check Engine Light

January 1, 2015Maintenance and ServiceOzzie

So, what’s the relationship between your gas cap and your check engine light? I have, on occasion had to field this question: “Does removing my car’s gas cap while the engine is running trigger my check engine light?”

It’s actually a question that has one answer in two parts. First, with many of today’s modern cars, trucks, SUVs and vans this is often true. The gas cap might be the culprit, but cause is escaping vapors. If the fuel tank is between one quarter and three quarters full and the engine is running, the car’s emissions monitoring system will illuminate the “Check Engine”, or “Service Engine Soon”, or “Malfunction Indicator” lamp (depending on the vehicle) if it detects fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere. So, yes, removing the gas cap will often cause the system to think it has detected a vapor leak.

Now if you are certain that your gas cap is secured, then you could be looking at a myriad of issues. While this particular warning light can indicate a vapor loss from your gas tank, it can also mean you are having a completely different issue. That’s why when your “Check Engine” light goes off, it’s a good idea bring your car in to your local dealer who can do a thorough inspection, fix and find your issue and TURN OFF THAT LIGHT! I know you don’t want to see it anymore.

Here’s something else that you may, or may not know. If you go for your Texas Vehicle Inspection and this light is illuminated, they will not inspect your car. You should be getting it checked ASAP as to prevent any long term damage to your vehicle.

Just some more friendly advice from your Grapevine, Southlake, Keller Buick GMC Dealer.

Buick IntelliLink: How Not to Push a Driver’s Buttons

December 18, 2014BuickOzzie

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Automated tests tab millions of them before you touch a single one

DETROIT – A frozen computer is frustrating, but a frozen touchscreen in an automobile is a much bigger deal. That’s why engineers push the touchscreen buttons on the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system more than 2 million times every week, ensuring it consistently responds to user commands.

Multi-function touchscreen systems, which bundle controls and menus for several systems into one interface, are increasingly common in automobiles. From playing MP3 files to placing phone calls, planning a navigation route or adjusting climate controls, touchscreens are tasked with handling more complex functions than ever and doing it seamlessly to the user.

Much like opening too many windows on your home computer, mobile multitasking can tax some infotainment systems, and force the system to reboot.

“Car shoppers expect their in-car infotainment systems to offer not only a full range of convenience features but also complete dependability and functionally,” said Karl Brauer, senior editor of Kelley Blue Book. “That means a rapid response to user inputs and hardware components that consistently withstand consumer demands.”

To make IntelliLink robust, General Motors’ engineers subjected the system to exhaustive testing inside and outside the car. IntelliLink’s human-machine interface, or HMI, which includes the touchscreen liquid crystal display, or LCD, is hooked up to a state-of-the-art automated test bench, complete with cameras that constantly monitor the touchscreen.

The test bench fully replicates the various modules and components connected to the HMI while testing IntelliLink at a speed no human engineer can match. The stability lab can simulate 210 days of continuous in-car use within a week. Depending on the test performed, the lab can also subject IntelliLink systems to the equivalent of more than 2 million touchscreen pushes in the same period.

“We test our systems in real vehicles, but as humans, we can only log so many hours inside a car,” said Robert Rimkus, engineering group manager for GM’s Next Generation Infotainment systems. “These automated test stations help us push IntelliLink to its limits, ensuring customers get a system that’s consistently reliable in their own vehicles.”

Those simulated fingertaps and pushes mimic what an actual user would do while on the road based on customer feedback and design test procedures. For example, one simulation mirrors the audio, climate, and navigation control inputs a driver would make while making a road trip from Detroit to Chicago.

Other tests replicate situations owners may subconsciously encounter in the real world.

“When you shut off and leave a car, it takes the infotainment system as long as three to four minutes to fully go to sleep, much like any other computer,” said Rimkus. “You’re not always given that luxury in the real world. What if you stop at a gas station to grab a quick drink? The system hasn’t fully shut off, but it needs to quickly reboot when you turn the ignition key.”

The automation lab replicates other potential real-world use by staying close to GM road test engineers who drive pre-production vehicles. Issues noted during these early engineering drives can quickly be replicated within the confines of the automation lab, allowing developers to quickly find and address software or hardware issues that might push a driver’s buttons.

Read the full article on buick.com

Bedford, Tx Distracted Driving Ordinance

November 21, 2014UncategorizedOzzie

Another Metroplex city has taken the noble action of putting constraints on distracted driving. When you read the number of causalities that are a direct result of distracted driving, I’m sure you’ll understand why. Myself and everyone else at Freeman Grapevine applaud the efforts of our cities to stop distracted driving.

On November 18, 2014, the Bedford City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting distracted driving practices as they relate to portable electronic devices (which is defined as any handheld wireless communication device, laptop computer, tablet, media player, handheld gaming device, or any electronic device capable of displaying text-based communications, games, pictures or video).

In 2012, there were 3,328 people killed in distracted driving incidents. Statistical data reflects a significant correlation between cell phone use while driving and an increase in motor vehicle accidents. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that a person is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash by looking away from the forward roadway for just two seconds; a risk that is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content level of 0.15. Another NHTSA report shows that while texting, the average person’s eyes are off the road for five seconds. At 55 MPH, those five seconds equate to traveling the length of a football field while blindfolded.

The intention of the ordinance is to prohibit drivers from interacting with any electronic device in their hands, whether it is viewing, typing, or talking while operating a motor vehicle upon a public roadway. This includes while vehicles are stopped at a traffic signal.

Types of actions that are considered “use” in the ordinance are as follows: - viewing the display screen of a portable electronic device - holding a portable electronic device in a position to talk into or listen on - manipulating a portable electronic device by interacting with its display screen or pushing any button to enter text, dial numbers, or to engage in any other function.

The ordinance DOES NOT prohibit GPS devices affixed to a vehicle, a hands-free device, or the utilization of a portable electronic device in an emergency situation.

Be smart folks. chances are, that text can wait. It’s not worth destroying your life and the lives of others because you we’re to distracted with being social. There is no excuse. Pull over if you have to use your phone. Remember, you are driving, so why not actually focus on driving?

Ft. Worth has a lot of trees…and one just fell on your car!

November 14, 2014Insurance, Tips and HIntsOzzie

If there’s one thing we all know about living in Texas, it’s our ever changing weather conditions. One day it can be 82 and sunny the next 72 with mind-blowing thunderstorms, tornadoes and straight line winds. Sometimes it can get so extreme that even the oldest Live Oaks can be uprooted…not to mention scores of falling branches. So what do you do if one falls on your car? dallasnews.com has some guidance. Thanks to them for this information.

If a tree falls onto your vehicle

If your vehicle is damaged by a falling tree, optional comprehensive coverage on a standard auto insurance policy provides financial assistance.

• Contact the auto insurance company immediately to report the damage, to learn whether the damage is covered and to learn the procedure for estimates and processing.

• Take photos of the accident scene before anything is moved and before emergency repairs are started.

• Take measures to protect the vehicle from further damage. Save receipts.

• After the insurance company evaluates the damage, a dollar value will be negotiated. You may receive a check to help pay for repairs or you may be referred to approved facilities where repairs can be billed to the insurance company. Expect to pay a deductible.

• The maximum insurance benefit cannot exceed the current value of the vehicle, so if the damage is severe, you may not receive enough money to pay for repairs.

What you can expect from coverage

• If the tree damaged a structure that is insured, there should be coverage to help pay for removing the tree. (The amount of coverage depends on the type of policy you have.) If the fallen tree did not damage an insured structure, there probably is no coverage for tree removal.

• Some insurance policies may help with the cost of removing a fallen tree that blocks a driveway or a ramp used by a handicapped person.

• If the damage is not severe and you have a high deductible on the insurance policy, you probably should not file a claim, says insurance agent Bill “Bulldog” Cunningham. Filing multiple claims on a policy reflects badly on your insurance record and could result in policy cancellation, he says.

• Ask the insurance agent to recommend companies that are experienced at removing fallen trees or in making emergency repairs to damaged structures.

If you’ve had a branch or tree, or any other body damage done to your car and need advice, please don’t hesitate to give me a call, leave a comment or come and see us. Not to brag, but we’ve got a great collision/damage repair center.

Knowing your Credit Score Can Make Buying a Car a Snap

November 10, 2014Credit and Financing, New CarsOzzie

It’s true, the more tools you have on your side, the easier the negotiating process is.

Here are few easy ways to raise your credit score I found at myautoloan.com:

1. Pay your bills in full and on time. Your current bill payment accounts for about 35% of the FICO score. Missing credit card payments or submitting the minimum due each month will immediately lower scores, as will any debt collections or bankruptcy filings.

2. Build up an active and lengthy credit history. Don’t close out all of those old credit cards! Keeping them open builds your credit history. This makes up about 15% of the FICO score. Keep a few dormant accounts active.

3. Don’t open new accounts within 60 days of making a major purchase. This is 10% of your score. Taking out new credit lines raises red flags because it makes you look riskier.

4. Maxing or topping out your credit cards will drop your score like a rock. Even using 50% or more of your limit can cause problems because it increases the risk that you may not be able to repay. If you have five credit cards with a $10,000 credit line each, for example, it’s not wise to carry a balance of more than $5,000 per card. It’s better to carry smaller balances on several cards than to pile everything onto one card.

5. Get a copy of your credit report. This is very important. Since credit scores are based on credit reports, it’s very important to make sure the information in your reports are fee of errors and fraud. Federal law gives you the right to get a free report from each of the major credit bureaus once per year.

6. Hold a wide variety of credit experiences and loans, over time. This is diversification. You’ll get credit for having a variety of loans. It’s better to have an assortment, including installment plans like auto loans or mortgages rather than simply credit cards.

Here’s an informative video that will explain the importance of understanding how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to raise it.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntd9X1jPDGY&feature=related]

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, or come by and see me.

Rotate Your Tires!

November 7, 2014Maintenance and ServiceOzzie

What is your service Achilles heel? Forgetting your oil change? Filling your fluids? Mine is tire rotation. I’m usually very good about keeping my car in good shape. However, since my schedule has been getting busier and my free time has been getting shorter some things just slip my mind…until I drive home for the day. “Shudder…Shudder…Shudder” my tires never forget to remind me they need rotating.
Everyday driving can affect the balance of your tires. The Video below explains how your tires can come out of balance and how routine inspections for tire rotation and balance can extend the life of your tires and increase your driving enjoyment.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nBzked-fpI

If you need you tires rotated, and I know you do, find the time to take it to the shop and have them done. If you are in the Dallas area, swing by and we can do it for you. Either way, just get them done, as it will greatly increase the life of your tires.

Tips for Winterizing Your Car #3

November 3, 2014Tips and HIntsOzzie

With the oncoming Winter season in front of us, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions to make sure your car can handle the harsh temperatures and (possibly) even the snow and ice. Be sure to check out post number 1 and 2 for more tips!

Check your tires and tire pressure

If it’s time to get a new set of tires, just before the cold sets in is the best time to do it. Your tire’s tread is needed to keep control of your car if you hit a patch of ice. The more tread your tires have, the better traction you have during a snowstorm or ice-storm. You may even consider switching out to a set of studded snow tires, if your Winters are super harsh.

If your tires have a good amount of tread on them, then you must ensure that your tires have the proper amount of tire pressure. If they are under-inflated, then the tread on your tires shore up and don’t make contact with the road, increasing your chances of skidding if you hit an ice patch. Check your owner’s manual for the proper tire pressure.

Get a tune-up

The belts and hoses under the hood are important to keep it running at its best. The problem with harsh winters is that it takes its toll on those belts and hoses. If you spring a leak or have a frayed belt, it will only worsen in the Winter. Harsh temperatures and the necessity of running your engine tougher than usual could very easily mean a busted belt or an engine that can’t hold it’s liquids. Both of which are very bad and, potentially, very costly. Your engine depends on anti-freeze and other liquids to keep everything working properly (brakes, transmission, etc..). If your hoses are leaky, then you’re running the risk of having a major problem on your hands. It’s best to get all of your belts, hoses, and liquids checked before winter so you know your car will be up to speed and ready to go during those chilly days.