GM, Chevy show off new models to dealers in Las Vegas

General Motors Co. and Chevrolet executives were in Las Vegas on Thursday to show off new 2013 and 2014 models to thousands of dealers representatives, including the much-anticipated all-new 2014 Chevy Silverado, 2014 Tahoe, 2014 Suburban and 2014 SS performance sedan.

Chevy dealers at the national dealers meeting, which is held every other year, saw many new vehicles that the media and public have yet to see. Dealers from another region also saw the same lineup — many are vehicles that will hit their lots in 2013 — on Tuesday.

Dealer attitudes leaving the meeting were high and the lineup shown makes them even more confident in the Chevy brand, which is out to win in every segment in which it competes, said Jason Brickl, president of Ballweg Chevrolet in Middleton, Wis., who attended Thursday's meeting.

"(The vehicles) exceeded my expectations in not just exterior design but the execution of the interior design and our ability to deliver world-class technology," said Brickl, also co-chairman of the GM dealer executive board. "Our best months and years are ahead of us with what I saw today."

The automaker was equally optimistic.

"2013 will be an amazing year for Chevrolet with 13 new or significantly updated vehicles, so we had a lot to show our dealers," Chevrolet spokesman Mike Albano said Thursday in an email to The Detroit News.

GM said Don Johnson, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet sales and service, hosted the meeting. GM North America President Mark Reuss was joined in speaking to dealers with Ed Welburn, GM vice president of global design; Alan Batey, GM vice president of U.S. sales and service; and Chris Perry, vice president of marketing for Chevrolet.

"Dealers from all over the country are coming into Las Vegas to learn about the business … see the cars and visit with Chevrolet leadership," said GM spokesman Tom Henderson.

Albano, who was in attendance Tuesday, said dealer reaction to the new products was like the atmosphere in a stadium during playoff baseball.

"Everyone was extremely excited," he said. "The dealers realize they are going to have a portfolio that is very unmatched (by competitors), from trucks to sports cars to small cars."

Courtesy of TheDetroitNews

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Tailgating

It's nearly Fall, and odds are most of us are participating in, watching, or cheering on some kind of sports team. And for many fans, a game is not a game unless a tailgate precedes it. Taking it one step further... If you've got a 4WD Pick up Truck or SUV, chances are your vehicle serves as home base for your friends and family at the tailgate party!

Here are the best tips from professional tailgaters on how to throw the perfect tailgate party yourself, as well as tips to help you become the ultimate tailgater:

 

Make a Tailgating Checklist

To ensure nothing gets left at home, make a list of things you need to take to the tailgate party. Be sure to put your game tickets on the list too!

 

Have a Tailgating Theme

Think up a creative theme for your tailgate. If it's Thanksgiving, bring a turkey. If it's Christmas, bring a tree. Or, base your theme and decorations on the opponent. For example, you might have Cajun food against the Saints, Philly cheese steaks against the Eagles, or fish against the Dolphins.

 

Dress for the Occasion

Dress appropriately for several hours outdoors -- and be prepared for drastic temperature changes. And don't forget to wear comfortable shoes.

 

Show Some Tailgating Team Spirit

Show your team spirit... Wear team colors. Tailgaters are usually the biggest and best fans! After all, to become the ultimate tailgater, you'll want to stir up some tailgater's envy!

 

Timing is Everything

Get there early. You'll want to arrive 3-4 hours before game time to beat the crowd and claim your turf. And, plan to stay late so as to not miss a moment of the post-game enthusiasm.

 

Location, Location, Location

Set up your tailgate party near a grassy area, or bring a roll of Astroturf to set up at the end of the row -- for a more comfortable atmosphere with lots of room to socialize. Parking at the end of a row can also give you more partying space.

 

Tailgating in Parking Lots

Serious tailgaters choose a parking lot that has a view of the stadium if on-site parking is not available. Since the stadium is your Mecca, you need to be able to see it so you can bow to it occasionally.

 

Mark Your Spot At The Tailgating Party

A flag or team pennant on a tall pole helps people locate the party and makes a statement of team spirit.

 

Seating Arrangements

Don't worry about bringing chairs for everyone. Those who want to sit will bring their own chairs.

 

Generating Power

Serious tailgaters bring a small generator for powering a TV, stereo system or electric space heater during cold weather games.

 

Timing the Eats

Make sure your food is ready 1 to 2 hours before game time, so you have enough time to eat, clean up and find your seat in the stadium.

 

Put out the Fire

If you're using a charcoal grill, bring along extra water to douse the embers and a plastic garbage bag to put the cold coals in.

 

Be Smokey's Best Friend

Make sure that you have some way of extinguishing and throwing away your hot coals. Whatever you do, dispose of firewood or charcoal briquettes properly. Some stadiums have a designated place for hot ashes, but do not dump them in the grass or in trash bins.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Bring your own lawn-size trash bags, because there never seem to be enough garbage receptacles on hand.

 

Courtesy of About.com

Holz Motors | Malibu Style

The Chevy Malibu screams style. Take a closer look at the stylish interior and like us on Facebook to enter for your chance to win $5,000!

Click here for more information.

Remembering those who were lost.

We would like to take the time to remember all the brave men and women who were affected on 9/11/01. Never forget.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving with Pets

Did You Know...

84% of pet owners say they travel with their pet in automobiles

Source: American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2006 National Pet Owner Survey

If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.

A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.

Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.

Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:

• Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
• Dogs should be restrained with either a seatbelt or harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
• Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
• Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
• Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
• It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
• Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
• Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
• A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
• A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.

Bus or Train

• State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.

Courtesy of Pet Travel Center

Corvette Generations: C1 | Corvette | Chevrolet -- Video

Harlan Charles, Corvette Product Manager, discusses everything important about the first generation of Corvette -- from the 1953 Corvette show car at the GM Motorama to winning its class against foreign brands racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also goes into detail about the father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the initial Blue Flame engine, and the first of Chevrolet's small block V8 engines.

Four Chevy Passenger Cars Set Monthly Records in August

DETROIT – Chevrolet passenger car sales were up 25 percent in August, with the Spark, Sonic, Cruze and Volt all posting their best-ever monthly sales.

Chevrolet Nameplate	New Sales Record	Old Sales Record	Old Sales Record Month
Spark	2,630	1,460	June 2012
Sonic	8,703	8,251	March 2012
Cruze	25,975	25,160	April 2011
Volt	2,831	2,289	March 2012

“The single message Chevrolet communicated this summer was ‘confidence’ and it rang true with customers when they saw how our product lineup is being transformed,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of U.S. sales operations.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

 

Courtesy of Chevrolet