GM may use diesels in light-duty pickups

General Motors is considering a diesel engine for light-duty versions of its redesigned full-sized pickups.

GM North America President Mark Reuss said in an interview that a diesel is among the options for the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, which are due in showrooms next spring.

Chrysler Group recently said it is considering a diesel for its light-duty Ram. Ford Motor Co. has no plans for a light-duty diesel, a spokesman said, adding that Ford's EcoBoost V6 engine is a less expensive option to save fuel and will be "our diesel fighter."

Speculation abounds that GM, smarting from Ford's success with the EcoBoost V6 on its F-series pickups, will counter with a turbocharged V6 on the redesigned trucks. But Reuss implied GM will go a different route.

"I wouldn't say that's a huge priority," Reuss said. "I think there are other answers to that--which they don't have--for us that make a lot more sense."

He was referring to GM's two-pronged strategy of offering a mid-sized pickup, the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado, alongside the Silverado and Sierra. Ford phased out its compact Ranger pickup last year and will stick with the F-series as its only pickup line.

Reuss believes the full-sized pickup can't be all things to all customers. Fuel economy often isn't a top priority for construction workers or ranchers who rely on their pickups for a living, he figures.

By offering a mid-sized Colorado, Reuss says, GM will have its shot at fuel-conscious buyers "and still keep that Silverado and Sierra as workhorses."

Courtesy of AutoWeek

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving and Tornadoes

When you prepare for tornado season ahead of time, you can increase your chances of protecting yourself and your property in the face of a tornado or heavy windstorm. If you’re in a tornado’s path, you don’t have much time to find shelter.

Tornado Driving Safety Tips:

• Try not drive during tornado conditions. Drive only if the tornado is far away and the traffic you will be driving in is light.
• Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
• If you can see the tornado, and it is heading away from you… just sit tight. If it is heading toward you, and you have the time, drive away from it at right angles. Example, if it is heading north, travel east or west. If it is too close, find safety below ground if possible, or in the nearest depression. Do not stay in your car, as it will be tossed around with you in it.
• Do not, under any circumstance, drive over a downed electrical line.
• Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
• Be prepared with a disaster kit in the car at all times. Take it, if possible, when you leave your car.
• If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Heavy rains often accompany tornadoes. Do not travel down a road submerged in water — underlying currents could carry your car away. Another likely threat: a collapsed roadway. If your vehicle stalls in water, immediately abandon it — floodwaters can rise several feet in a matter of minutes.

You should know these about tornadoes:

• They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
• They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
• The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
• Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

Other Tornado Safety Tips:

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.Look for approaching storms
• Look for the following danger signs:
  • Dark, often greenish sky
  • Large hail
  • A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
  • Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

 

Courtesy of Car-Use.net

We appreciate the compliments, Tim! Thank you for the 5-star review.

"Great service department, experienced staff and technicians"

- Tim

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Thank you for the 5-star review, Jeffrey! Kudos to his salesman, Bob!

"Great service. If a problem comes up it s handeled in a very professional manner. I feel confident sending my wife in for service. Great dealership. We have bought alot of cars and Bob Schwarz is the best salesmen we have ever dealt with."

- Jeffrey

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Kelley Blue Book - Best Green Cars of 2012

Overview

Fuel economy is up, fuel consumption is down, and the road keeps getting a little bit greener each new model year. But world-class fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on our annual 10 Best Green Cars list. Click the arrow above to see the standouts offering mpg and more.

2012 Chevrolet Volt

With its small gasoline engine on standby to generate electricity should the batteries run out of juice, the Volt conquers "range anxiety" and makes for a car that can be filled with gas at a pump and electricity from an outlet. Sleek looks inside and out, plus room for four passengers and cargo complete the package.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu

While recent non-hybrid compact cars are notorious for flirting with the 40 mpg mark, conventional midsize sedans continue to hover in the mid-30s. The new Malibu seemingly bridges the efficiency gap between the two categories with eAssist, a system that conserves fuel by using a small lithium-ion battery to supplement the engine, along with regenerative braking and start-stop technology.

 

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Sunny Day Driving Safety

To see your way clearly

• You could wear Sun glasses or draw down the window-shade when the  sunlight is too strong to make sure you can see your way clearly.

Prevent Engine Overheating

• Engine Overheating may cause breakdowns, especially on a hot day.
• Check the level, condition, and concentration of the coolant periodically.
• If your car overheats, do not drive any more.Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.

Pay Attention To Tires

• Check your tires regularly
• Be sure the tires are properly inflated
• Don’t drive at a high rate of speed for a long time,particularly in hot weather
• Do not overload your car

 

Courtesy of Car-Use.net

Thank you for the compliments, George! We appreciate this 5-star review.

"My wife & I have purchased many vehicles from Holz Motors and every experience is better than the previous one. Holz motors is the only place to buy a new or used car or truck. The sales department, especially Bob Schwarz is the greatest and the service department is the best in the area." - George V