Chevrolet Primed for Rising Demand for Diesel Cars

"The planned U.S. introduction of a 2.0L clean turbo diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze next year is expected to benefit from growing interest in diesel cars, sales of which could double by mid-decade, according to market research firm Baum and Associates.

Diesel car sales, which account for 3 percent of U.S. sales today, are trending up, having jumped 35 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Diesel car sales grew more than 27 percent last year, according to the Diesel Technology Forum. Baum and Associates predicts diesel to account for 6 percent of car sales by 2015

General Motors sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes.

The North American introduction of a diesel engine on Cruze – one of the top-selling gasoline-powered cars in the U.S. in 2011 and General Motors’ best-selling model globally – is expected to establish Chevrolet as the only domestic automaker offering an American- manufactured diesel-powered compact car with a European-American developed engine.

“Even with high fuel prices, we’re seeing more consumers willing to invest in more advanced technology, fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a non-profit educational organization. “We’re really excited about what the Chevy Cruze brings to this segment. It’s already a successful car in its fuel efficiency and market acceptance. With GM’s advanced clean-burning diesel technology under the hood, Cruze stands to be a game changer.”

Diesel engines have long been known for their fuel efficiency and spirited performance. Due to a higher compression ratio and greater energy density of the diesel fuel itself, diesel engines are able to produce more power than equivalent displacement gasoline-powered engines.

Compact cars with diesel engines typically deliver more than 40 miles per gallon, spirited performance, strong durability and high lease residual values – all attributes Chevy expects to be true of the Cruze Diesel as well.

The 2.0L clean turbo diesel engine coming to the Cruze has resolved drawbacks consumers associated with older generation diesel cars, such as excessive engine noise, exhaust soot and smell. Precisely controlled common rail direct-injection fuel systems create a smooth-running engine. About one of every two U.S. service stations now offers diesel fuel, up from one in three a few years ago, according to Diesel Technology Forum." [Read more]

GM Shows Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 Mobility Concept Vehicle

 

"General Motors showed the company’s vision of the Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 concept at Auto China 2012 today. It is an evolved design of the company’s revolutionary mobility concept revealed at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

“Our designers and engineers are exploring a range of options for turning the EN-V concept into a reality,” said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group. “The EN-V 2.0 concept would use technologies such as the mobility Internet, electrification and telematics to help change the automotive landscape and ensure a sustainable future for our industry,”  

The original EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) concept was a centerpiece of the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. The two-seat electric vehicle pioneered a new automobile DNA based on the convergence of electrification and connectivity. It was developed to show the possibilities for alleviating concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow’s cities." [Read more]

Chevrolet Kicks Off 2012 ‘Diamonds & Dreams’

"Chevrolet today kicked off its 2012 “Diamonds & Dreams” program, encouraging participants across the country to visit www.chevybaseball.com and enter to win a refurbished baseball field for their community or one they feel is deserving.

One winner will be chosen each week for up to 12 weeks through July 22 and be eligible to win the Grand Prize: an all-new, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO.

“Every young person wants and deserves a ‘dream’ baseball diamond, and we offer them a chance to get one,” said Phil Caruso, Chevrolet national promotions manager. “From the back yards to the big leagues, Chevrolet is committed to community and youth baseball and giving back to where our customers live, work and play.”

In its third year, “Diamonds & Dreams” has awarded more than 25 youth field makeovers across the country.

Renovations of the 12 field makeovers will be administered through Ripken Design, a division of Ripken Baseball, owned and operated by National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. and 12-year Major League Baseball veteran Bill Ripken.

“I have been working with Chevy for about two decades and it is a relationship I value a great deal, said Cal Ripken. “Together we are positively impacting kids through baseball at the grassroots level and giving them safe places to play. It is a very gratifying part of what we do, and I appreciate Chevrolet making us a part of this terrific effort.”

One of last year’s Diamonds & Dreams winners, Wendy Vasquez of Livermore, Calif., is experiencing the impact at field level.

“I continue to get thank-yous from people across the league. Our new field is helping so many athletes be that much better,” said Vasquez. “I think it is beyond amazing that Chevrolet does this for communities and the kids.”

The Official Lawn Care Company of Major League Baseball™, Scotts, will continue to partner with Chevrolet and lend its support to multiple field refurbishments. “Scotts believes that it is important to offer youth a safe, reliable field and playing area.  In addition to helping reduce injuries, a strong foundation of thick and lush grass helps to create a beautiful outdoor environment that encourages children to spend time outdoors,” said Chris Strunk, Scotts manager, sports marketing and sponsorship." [Read more]

NYIAS 2014 Impala Walkaround

Chevrolet Goes to Bat to Help Refurbish Detroit Ball Field

"Chevrolet employees and volunteers – including Detroit Tigers mascot PAWS -- pitched in to help polish a diamond into a gleaming jewel Thursday, at the Jayne Field youth baseball complex on Detroit’s east side.

Chevrolet’s baseball roots run deep. In addition to being the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball™, Chevrolet supports youth baseball initiatives across the country through the Chevrolet Youth Baseball and Diamonds and Dreams programs.

Since 2006, participating dealers in the Chevrolet Youth Baseball program have helped raise more than $13 million for equipment and other team needs; sponsored more than 500 youth clinics; reached more than 3 million young people and helped raise money to fund more than 2,000 park improvements. This year, more than 1,600 Chevrolet dealers are involved.

The Detroit project is coordinated in partnership with Think Detroit PAL, which operates the largest youth baseball program in the city; as well as the Detroit Recreation Department and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Chevrolet employees and volunteers cleaned, pulled weeds and painted the dugout and bleacher areas at Field No. 4 in preparation for a professional field makeover by Ripken Design and Scotts Miracle-Gro. The field will be refurbished in time to kick off the 2012 youth baseball season.

“As a major supporter of youth baseball across the country, Chevrolet is looking forward to giving young baseball players in our hometown of Detroit a field they can be proud to play on,” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing.

Think Detroit PAL uses the Jayne Field complex under an agreement with the City of Detroit, which owns the park. Last year, 1,400 young people played on about 100 teams in PAL baseball leagues. In total, Think Detroit PAL sports programs serve 10,000 city youth each year." [Read more]

Chevrolet Avalanche to End its Trendsetting Run

"The Chevrolet Avalanche, which won buyers with trendsetting design and unique features – and helped launch the boom in crew cab pickups – celebrates its final year in production with the 2013 Black Diamond Avalanche.

Black Diamond Avalanches will feature body-colored bed surrounds, a unique badge on the sail panel, additional features on LS and LT models, and lower prices across the lineup.

“More than 580,000 Avalanches have been sold since its introduction in 2001, and Avalanche has won major awards and recognitions throughout its run,” said Mark Clawson, Avalanche marketing manager.  “So it is only fitting that Avalanche retires on a high note.”

“The Chevrolet Avalanche was one of the earliest forays into re-inventing the traditional pickup truck, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst, Edmunds.com.  “It was a vehicle that maintained the traditional truck image and capability but was more versatile for the person buying it for personal use more than work – a lifestyle truck more than a work truck. Other variations on the theme from competitors followed the Avalanche's debut.”

For 2013, a rear camera, rear park assist, power adjustable pedals, fog lamps and remote start will be added as standard equipment on LS models, while LT models have added a standard rear camera.  Base prices have been reduced $2,500 (after equipment adjustments) with the 2WD Avalanche LS now starting at $ 35,980, plus $995 dealer freight charge.

“Although Avalanche sales have tapered off in recent years, as crew cabs have grown to dominate Silverado sales, we know there are many Avalanche enthusiasts among Chevy customers,” said Clawson. “The Black Diamond Avalanche is our way of saying ‘Thank you’ and making it just a little more attractive to own one more Avalanche.”

Avalanche reshaped the pickup market

When introduced for the 2002 model year, Avalanche offered unique styling and innovative features like a midgate that extended the bed into the cab. Perhaps more important, its overall design proved to be one of those rare ideas that change a segment – a light-duty pickup with comfortable accommodations for five people.

This concept of a well-equipped light-duty pickup that could tow, haul, and carry the family attracted enough interest to generate 93,482 sales in 2003, its third full year of production. Recognizing the appeal of the Avalanche, Chevrolet and other truck makers began developing light-duty crew cab pickups.  By 2011, crew cabs accounted for more than 65 percent of light-duty pickup sales, and helped transform the pickup from a workhorse into a true multipurpose family vehicle." [Read more]

2012 Chevrolet Express Outperforms Chief Rival

" In head-to-head testing, the 2012 Chevrolet Express 4500 outperforms the Ford E-450 – its direct competitor – in acceleration, hill performance and fuel economy.

AMCI Testing, an independent automotive research firm specializing in comparative vehicle evaluations, put the V8 Chevrolet 4500 and the V10 Ford E-450 head-to-head, powertrain-to-powertrain. Performance tests took place at the El Toro test facility in Irvine, Calif., and on the Scripps Poway Parkway. Real-world fuel economy tests were performed on AMCI's city and highway test routes, consisting of city streets, boulevards and highways in Southern California.

The Chevrolet 4500 outperformed the Ford E-450 in every test conducted. To ensure accurate test results, both vehicles were loaded to 14,000 gross vehicle weight.  Highlights from the head-to-head comparison: [Read more]"

Electric Vehicles: Do it for the Kids

"It’s not just the cost of gas. It goes beyond the reduced maintenance and longer vehicle life. If you really need a reason to look at electric vehicles, it’s the kids.

That is, at least, what this infographic is trying to tell us. Sure, it talks about the other benefits, but the child-benefits of going electric is at the center. Click to enlarge."

All-New Impala – Chevrolet Reinvents an Iconic Sedan

"Chevrolet completes the transformation of its North American passenger car lineup with the introduction of the all-new 2014 Impala. The redesigned flagship sedan builds on the strong heritage of the Impala nameplate by offering expressive style, a more-refined interior, easy-to-use technology, and what is expected to be an exhilarating driving experience.

“The 2014 Impala re-establishes this iconic Chevrolet nameplate as a design leader, with bold styling that will turn heads for years to come,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “The team has also delivered the comfort, safety, fuel efficiency and technology that will strengthen Impala’s leadership in the highly competitive full-size sedan market.”

The all-new Impala goes on sale in early 2013 as the 10th generation of one of the industry’s most enduring – and popular – nameplates. Impala was America’s best-selling full-size sedan in 2011, with sales of more than 171,000, which also made it one of the 10 best-selling cars overall in the United States, along with Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze.

“This all-new Impala delivers on our promise that every new car that wears the Chevrolet bowtie will embody the pioneering spirit that has defined the brand for more than a century.” said Chris Perry, vice president, global Chevrolet marketing. “With the striking new design and the right mix of comfort, technology and efficiency, we have recaptured the magic that attracted millions of consumers to the Impala nameplate for decades.”

Designed on an award-winning global platform, the 2014 Impala introduces new levels of comfort, refinement and technology. Highlights include: [Read more]"

2013 Traverse: Family Place Gets New Face

 

"Offering a combination of best-in-class cargo space and room for up to eight, the Chevrolet Traverse was designed to be the perfect family gathering place for families on the go. And now, for the new model year, it boasts upgraded amenities and a fresh new look.

“The new Traverse is a family vehicle without compromise,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy. “It is more capable than many sport-utility vehicles, with as much room as a minivan and better functionality than both. The Traverse is clever, capable and confident—and there when you need it most.”

It’s much more athletic-looking, too, thanks to a revised exterior design that’s also cleaner and more sophisticated, and the 2013 Traverse also introduces a new front-end appearance that will be used throughout Chevy’s family of crossover utility vehicles. Highlights include a more aggressive multi-bar grille, an imposing powerdome hood, redesigned headlamps, a dash of chrome, and flowing rounded corners that draw their inspiration from the look of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The brand’s designers also introduced some intricate new cues at the rear of the vehicle, accented by a revised license-plate pocket and taillamps. 

“We have injected a stronger presence into the Traverse exterior by focusing on the details,” said Phillip Zak, GM director of exterior design. “The small but important changes give it a more vibrant personality that more closely reflects the lifestyles of the families who rely on the Traverse to get them through their busy lives.”

In the cabin, those families will enjoy more soft-touch materials for a premium ambiance, with the driver benefiting from a new center stack that packs a color-touchscreen radio with a 6.5-inch screen as well as improved climate controls that are both easier to use and redesigned for an upscale feel. Chevrolet also made a noticeable effort to improve the overall attention to detail in the 2013 Traverse’s interior, adding further refinement.

The ultimate family-friendly feature—a rear-seat entertainment system—remains available on the 2013 Traverse, which also offers a new high-tech infotainment advantage: Chevrolet MyLink. It integrates owners’ smartphones to enable access to Internet music-streaming services like Pandora and Stitcher, while enabling hands-free calling through the Traverse’s audio system.

Further, it’s not just the new Traverse’s design that’s more similar to Chevy’s car lineup; the vehicle’s suspension gains notable changes—like front-strut rebound springs and new shock valving—that enables a smoother, more car-like driving experience. But the 2013 Traverse is no poser when it comes to pulling power. Holstering an advanced V6 engine that makes up to 288 hp, the Traverse is capable of towing 5,200 lbs." [Read more]