News Wire: GM Lansing Delta Township Plant Builds 2 Millionth Vehicle

August 14, 2015UncategorizedOzzie

The 2 millionth vehicle, a 2016 Buick Enclave, rolls off the production line at the General Motors Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Friday, August 14, 2015, in Lansing, Michigan. GM's newest assembly plant in North America, opened in 2006, Lansing Delta Township Assembly currently employs approximately 3,200 employees on three shifts. (Photo by John F. Martin for General Motors) — The 2 millionth vehicle, a 2016 Buick Enclave, rolls off the production line at the General Motors Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant Friday, August 14, 2015, in Lansing, Michigan. GM’s newest assembly plant in North America, opened in 2006, Lansing Delta Township Assembly currently employs approximately 3,200 employees on three shifts. (Photo by John F. Martin for General Motors)

This article originally appeared on buick.com)

LANSING, Mich. – A 2016 Buick Enclave, painted in White Frost Tricoat, rolled off the production line at General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant today, the 2 millionth vehicle produced at the automaker’s newest assembly plant in North America.

“This milestone directly reflects the dedication and hard work that our employees put into these crossovers every day,” said Mike Trevorrow, Lansing regional plant manager. “This team has established a strong foundation since opening to enable us to produce our 2 millionth vehicle in nine years, which is quite an accomplishment.”

Opened in 2006, Lansing Delta Township Assembly blends best practices and the newest technology in one facility. It was the first automotive manufacturing facility in the world to be a Gold Certified Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Since starting production, Lansing Delta Township has manufactured the Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Acadia Denali and Buick Enclave. A white Outlook was the first vehicle produced on May 24, 2006.

The plant currently employs approximately 3,200 employees on three shifts.

GM has announced more than $580 million in investments for Lansing Delta Township facility over the last two years, including $63 million in 2014 to expand the plant by nearly 263,000 square feet and $520 million earlier this year for tooling and equipment associated with future new vehicle programs.

“Producing the 2 millionth vehicle would not be possible without the great people we have here,” said UAW Local 602 President Bill Reed.

While most vehicles follow somewhat of a bell curve for sales during their lifecycle, the Enclave has continued 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. As of June 2015, more than 500,000 Enclave models had been sold worldwide.

“The Enclave led Buick’s product renaissance, redefining what consumers should expect from a full-size luxury crossover,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It is fitting that an Enclave is the 2 millionth vehicle to roll off the line in Lansing, demonstrating continued consumer demand.”

This milestone for Lansing Delta Township is part of GM’s celebration of 500 million vehicles built globally, more than any other automaker.

(Read the entire story here..)

News Wire: Buick Expands 2016 Sport Touring Lineup

August 13, 2015BuickOzzie

2016 Buick Regal Sport Touring – features special 18-inch wheels with machined faces and black “pockets,” a rear spoiler, Buick IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot.

This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

DETROIT – Buick unveiled 2016 LaCrosse, Regal and Verano Sport Touring (ST) models today – sedans with distinctive exterior cues designed to set them apart from the pack.

Each features special 18-inch wheels with machined faces and black “pockets,” and a rear spoiler. They join the Enclave Tuscan Edition and recently announced Encore Sport Touring as special models expanding Buick’s lineup with more design-focused choices.

“Buick is reaching an all-new generation of customers by reinventing itself in terms of design, function and capabilities,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “These new ST models underscore the importance of design choices, while complementing the safety, refinement and connectivity technologies that are drawing new customers to Buick dealerships.”

The new Sport Touring sedans – and Encore Sport Touring – go on sale this fall.

LaCrosse Sport Touring includes Buick IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, eight standard air bags (including rear-seat thorax air bags) and leather-trimmed seats – with heated front seats.

Regal Sport Touring includes a standard rear-vision camera system, heated front seat and leather-trimmed front and rear seats. It also comes with Buick IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay capability and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Verano Sport Touring includes dual-zone climate control, eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and heated front seats, along with Buick IntelliLink and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot.

Experience Buick Protection on all 2016 Buick models includes the first two visits of scheduled maintenance services for two years/24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It complements Buick’s four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

Read the entire article on Buick.com)

Keep Your Car Cool!

August 6, 2015Tips and HIntsOzzie

It’s hot out there! I was getting in my car to go home from work and I thought I was going to catch on fire! With these dog days of summer upon us, we really have to start thinking about what we can do to minimize the heat retention in our cars. Otherwise we will be miserable for the next month or so, until it starts to cool down a little bit. Here are a few tips I came up with on my drive home.

1. Use a window visor or sunshade.

It sounds like a no-brainer, right? But, you’d be amazed at the number of cars I see in the parking lots wherever I go that haven’t put one up! Not only can you put one in your front windshield, you can put one on the back, too! You’d be surprised just how much of a difference one of these makes. The inside of your car will be at least 10-15 degrees cooler than if you just let the sun’s rays bake the interior of your car.

2. Find a shady spot.

Even if you have to walk a little further to get to your destination, your body will thank you when you get in the car to head home.

3. Place a towel over the steering wheel.

I never thought about this one until I saw it in action. Those steering wheels get hot! By just draping a towel over it, you will ensure that you don’t end up with 2nd degree burns on your palms and fingers.

4. Crack your windows.

Of course, I don’t mean that literally, but, lowering your windows just a couple of inches means that the hot air can escape the car instead of being trapped and getting hotter by the minute.

What are some of your tips and tricks to keep your car cool during these summer months?

News Wire: GMC Canyon Expands Capability with New Duramax Diesel

July 28, 2015GMCOzzie

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

All-new turbo-diesel powertrain enables unmatched 7,700-lb. trailering capability

DETROIT – GMC introduced the 2016 Canyon diesel today – featuring an all-new powertrain that expands the Canyon’s already class-leading capabilities, including trailering capacity of up to 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg).

The new 2.8L Duramax diesel, SAE-certified at 181 horsepower (135 kW) and 369 lb-ft of torque (500 Nm), is estimated to deliver greater highway fuel economy than the Canyon’s segment-topping gas engines, and is the cleanest diesel truck engine ever from General Motors. It goes on sale this fall.

Several new technologies and supporting features complement the Duramax diesel’s capability while helping ensure GMC’s trademark refinement:

Standard Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission matched with a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber in the torque converter, which reduces powertrain noise and vibration
Smart diesel exhaust brake system that enhances vehicle control and reduces brake wear on steep grades
An all-new integrated trailer brake controller is standard and exclusive on diesel models
A new, electronically controlled two-speed transfer case on 4WD models.

“The new Duramax diesel takes the GMC Canyon’s award-winning capabilities to a new level in its segment,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing.

The new Duramax diesel is offered on SLE and SLT Crew Cab models, with 2WD or 4WD. It is priced $3,730 more than a comparably equipped Canyon V-6 model.

An available trailering package includes a hitch receiver and seven-pin connector, as well as the segment-exclusive automatic locking rear differential. A 3.42 rear axle ratio and four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife™ brake rotors are standard. Capacities include:

Maximum trailering rating of 7,700 pounds (3,492 kg) for 2WD models and 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) for 4WD
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) for 2WD and 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) for 4WD.

A fully boxed frame provides the strength to enable the capabilities of the new Duramax diesel while supporting a ride designed to be smooth and quiet. Like the full-size Sierra’s frame, Canyon features three sections – or bays – with specific strength and support characteristics, including a front bay made of hydroformed side rails and an integrated four-point front axle mounting system designed to reduce vibration.

“A diesel engine was part of the Canyon’s portfolio plan from the beginning, meaning the chassis, suspension and other elements of its architecture were engineered to support it,” said Scott Yackley, assistant chief engineer. “That means there are no compromises with the Canyon diesel. It offers exceptional capability delivered with a confident feeling of control.”

When it comes to putting that capability to use, Canyon offers helpful cargo features such as the standard CornerStep rear bumper, two-tier cargo bed loading, 13 standard movable tie-downs in the cargo bed, an available factory spray-in bed liner and the EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate.

In addition, the 2016 Canyon offers technologies and connectivity features such as GMC IntelliLink with new phone integration technology – and Apple CarPlay capability – OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: GMC Sierra HD Leads Segment in J.D. Power APEAL Study

July 22, 2015GMCOzzie

The 2015 GMC Sierra SLT front three quarter view

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

Terrain places second in Compact SUV category

DETROIT – Underscoring its appeal to discerning owners of full-size pickups, the 2015 GMC Sierra HD led the Large Heavy Duty Pickup segment in the 2015 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today. The 2015 GMC Terrain placed second in the Compact SUV category.

The APEAL Study examines – through consumer surveys – how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes, which make up an overall brand score measured on a 1,000-point scale.

“These and similar awards affirm that our customers recognize and appreciate the precision engineering, design and technology that go into every GMC,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, GMC. “Sierra HD trucks are engineered without compromise to deliver the capability, refinement and technology that inspire confidence with every task.”

Because many owners of heavy duty pickups use them for hauling and towing, GMC paid special attention to features that promote greater driving confidence and comfort on long trips, such as integrated cruise control and auto grade braking. They help drivers maintain a set speed up and down grades, even when towing a heavy trailer in mountainous terrain.

On Sierra HDs equipped with the available Duramax diesel engine, the driver can also engage the diesel exhaust brake, which uses the variable vanes in the turbocharger to smoothly and quietly create additional backpressure in the engine to help slow the vehicle. The combination of the exhaust brake and the automatic transmission downshifts helps maintain the desired speed, even on long, steep highway downgrades.

A standard rear-vision camera system provides a view of items behind the vehicle and can assist with lining up in front of a trailer.

In June, 48 percent of Sierra HD retail sales were Denali HDs.

The Terrain remains a favorite in the compact crossover segment, introducing customers to the brand’s premium design and luxury features. Customer connectivity in the 2015 Sierra HD and Terrain includes GMC’s IntelliLink infotainment system, along with OnStar with 4GLTE and built-in WiFi hotspot, providing a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

News Wire: Buick Introduces 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive

July 22, 2015BuickOzzie

On July 22, 2015 participating Buick dealers today introduced the 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive, a daylong test drive experience complemented by sounds, smells and even yoga techniques to help encourage well-being and happiness on the road.

(This article originally appeared on Buick.com)

Videos, podcasts, yoga and scent contribute to feeling of well-being

LOS ANGELES – Buick and its participating dealers today introduced the 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive, a daylong test drive experience complemented by sounds, smells and even yoga techniques to help encourage well-being and happiness on the road.

Driving can be stressful, especially during rush hour or for those who get lost. A recent survey of drivers conducted online by Harris Poll– commissioned by Buick – shows 57 percent are interested in learning how to reduce their stress while driving.

Separately, a recent AutoTrader.com “Car Buyer of the Future” study found that 88 percent of consumers said they would not buy a car without test driving it first. And a majority of those surveyed said they wanted more convenience and less pressure while test driving.

“From the refined and sculptural design of our vehicles, to the environment of our showrooms, to our award-winning customer service, happiness and a sense of well-being are inherent in everything we do,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick.

The 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive content includes exclusive videos, podcasts, compressed digital images, and even a recipe for an in-car fragrance designed to make any car journey a happier experience. The online content is expected to help to engage new customers and complement the dealer-offered 24-hour test drive.

To create the 24 Hours of Happiness Test Drive, Buick brought together some of America’s leading experts on happiness and well-being. They used the beauty, calm and refined comfort of Buick vehicles to inspire their specialized content.

Read the entire article on Buick.com.

News Wire: Buick Introduces 2016 Encore Sport Touring

July 20, 2015BuickOzzie

2016 Buick Encore Sport Touring – a more spirited take on the brand’s popular crossover. It is distinguished by unique exterior cues and driven by an exclusive, all-new 1.4L turbocharged engine featuring direct injection and stop/start technology.

This article originally appeared on Buick.com.

New 1.4L turbo engine adds performance, exclusive exterior cues add distinction

DETROIT – Buick today introduced the 2016 Encore Sport Touring – a more spirited take on the brand’s popular crossover. It is distinguished by unique exterior cues and driven by an exclusive, all-new 1.4L turbocharged engine featuring direct injection and stop/start technology.

The exterior features include a winged rear spoiler, 18-inch aluminum premium-finish wheels and body-color door handles, while the technologically advanced 1.4L turbo is part of a new, global family of small, power-dense engines developed to balance performance and efficiency with exceptional refinement.

Direct injection helps it generate an estimated 153 hp (112 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque (240 Nm), for about 11 percent more horsepower and nearly 20 percent more torque than the Encore’s standard engine – and a greater feeling of power on demand, particularly at low- and mid-range engine speeds. It’s matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Stop/start technology contributes to reduced fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving. It automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.

“Encore is a driving force behind Buick’s expansion and a catalyst for introducing a new generation of customers to the brand,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick. “The all-new Encore Sport Touring broadens that base, giving customers more choices – along with more performance, more technology and more efficiency.”

The 2016 Encore Sport Touring goes on sale this fall. All Encore models offer room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,371 liters) of storage space. Standard features include:

Read the full article on Buick.com.

News Wire: 2016 GMC Sierra Unveiled

July 15, 2015GMCOzzie

(This article originally appeared on gmc.com)

DETROIT — GMC’s best-selling truck has great momentum coming off its best June since 2006 and 12 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains.

With exterior styling as its top reason for purchase, the new truck adds key design elements: LED “C-shaped” signature daytime running lights and LED headlights; new front fascia and grilles for each trim level; new LED fog lamps; new bumpers; and new “C-shaped” LED taillights.

The new Sierra will be available in the fourth quarter of this year, with additional details and information on the new model released in the coming months.

Read the entire article on GMC.com.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible

July 13, 2015Buick, New CarsOzzie

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jacksnell707/8865144900/in/photolist-evobHS-evoGtu-evoGpd-evobKh-evoGno-evobT7-jMZYys-odbEN9-iZ2RPq-pjExR3-p5dAkZ-nXJ3Bb-dYUS6x-dbTu8y-jMXFYi-nXJkQP-dVfjCY-rjmKKp-uZjchP-aXpiEg-aLDeLF-dV9KxH-a2sPjL-dV9KkF-k17PSe-nAPSbf-dVfjwo-aDCjTP-dYURUr-qzLWQx-qSeerr-dV9KfP-dV9Ksz-dV9KhB-qS59Ri-aXMkCe-k17JdD-k17S7e-qzEWb9-dVfjK1-e5Mmk2-r3Drw4-dZ1yAw-eUypqp-pjEymG-dYUS26-oHvAsL-aGZkda-gDBRRY-oXXTr7 — Jack Snell, Flickr Creative Commons

2016 will see the introduction of the first new convertible in Buick’s storied line in twenty five years: the 2016 Buick Cascada. Needless to say the Cascada will incorporate 21st century engineering and styling to make it a stand out vehicle for all occasions. One of the innovations supplied with the Cascada is the spring-loaded, pyrotechnically-activated roll bars behind the front seats which are linked to the air bag system that are designed to protect the occupants in rollover situations.

According to Buick.com:

“The Cascada’s strategically reinforced body structure supports the roll bar system and is the foundation for the car’s strength and responsive driving experience. Elements include:

A-pillars featuring press-hardened steel in the inner structures and reinforced with high-strength, hot-rolled and cold-bent tubes within the pillars
Reinforced rocker panels with increased cross section
Underbody reinforcements including X-braces, V-braces and additional brackets
A reinforced “torsion box” bulkhead behind the rear seats that incorporates the pop-up roll bars

As a result of the structure’s rigidity, engineers were able to tune the suspension and steering systems with a high degree of precision, because they didn’t have to compensate for chassis flex.”

The roll bar system and the retractable roof are also designed in such a way that both the lines of the car are uninterrupted as well as trunk and storage space are largely unaffected. The individual rear seats also fold out of the way allowing up to 13.4 cubic feet of storage when the top is up, that space is reduced to 9.8 cubic feet when the top is stowed. Also, the top is stowed under a hard cover and can be lowered in 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

Other features include a 200hp engine, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist, and the rear view camera. The 2016 Buick Cascada convertible will be an exciting new vehicle for all driving scenarios!

2016 Enclave Comes With Streaming!

July 6, 2015Buick, New CarsOzzie

https://www.flickr.com/photos/digital_3rd_eye/8629540339/in/photolist-exEgmF-eoXPVH-en1He7-e9yDGg-dAiHZa-dzKJzn-doeroT-dnbYUK-dn3Bn9-bxrAGh-bxryF3-ayH4Vo-adycWi-adB3eu-adB3b1-adB37m-adycCH-adB2Xh-ady7gp-nWRLfJ-f4DVJ8-ekB78n-adAWw3-adAUos-adxYiF-adANsS-adANju-adANfN-9Qvfd1-9PLbzm-9PHcXe-9PHbKk-9PKZdw-9PJfJs-9PFoKe-9PFnAT-9GnWzp-9GqQCs-9GqQwU-9GnWnP-9GqQjw-9GqQbN-9GnW3g-9GqPZC-9GnVRH-7WQxeV-7HNmn2-7HSh9o-4YaHwQ-4kTs7Q — James, Flcikr Creative Commons

Holy Family Vacation Batman! Buick has just announced that their 2016 model year Enclaves will feature OnStar’s 4G LTE Connectivity! What this means is this will be a major upgrade in connectivity for families on the go. The 4G LTE comes with a Wi-Fi Hotspot that will support up to 7 devices simultaneously. Let’s face it folks, those days of license plate bingo, and the endless “Are we there yet?” questions are fading into a thing of the past. You see more and more cars on the road where everyone is on their device of choice, and now they’ll be able to connect on the road as well.

And now a little about 4G LTE. It is rated as the fastest and most up-to-date mobile network, and is advertised as being 10x faster than 3G and 100x faster than previous versions of OnStar service. As an added benefit, OnStar provides broader, wider-ranging coverage for smartphones than they can currently achieve through their cellular networks. Not only will you be able to stream on the go, but OnStar’s RemoteLink Mobile App will allow you to control several vehicle functions from your phone! You’ll be able to send it directions and access information on the vehicle as well!

You’ll get 6 months of service as a standard, with an opt-in feature called FamilyLink which will allow you to receive vehicle position alerts, check location of the vehicle online, as well as stay connected with your loved ones while they’re on the road. If you choose the five year OnStar Basic plan, it comes with OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics which conducts monthly tests of all your vehicle’s systems and provides an alert if maintenance is needed. Also included is the RemoteLink Key Fob Service which will allow you to lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, honk the horn, turn on/off the lights from your phone anywhere you have a data connection! It’s a killer option.