Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Drive away today in the 2013 Buick Verano

2013_buick_verano_at_capital
The 2013 Buick Verano offers the room and luxury you need. We invite you to visit us and enjoy a test drive today. Click here for a closer look at the Verano.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Buick Achievers Awards 1,100 Scholarships Nationwide

Buick_achievers_program_photo
The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, funded by the General Motors Foundation, today announced scholarships totaling approximately $4.2 million to 1,100 recipients during the NBC News Education Nation Summit in New York City.

The students, who come from all 50 states, were honored for excelling in the classroom and the community. They will receive financial resources to pursue a college degree within the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), or other related fields of study. 

As one of the largest in the country, the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program is noteworthy because it grants 100 students up to $25,000. The grants are renewable for up to four years and one additional year for qualified five-year engineering programs.

Additionally, 1,000 students receive a one-time $2,000 award.  By the end of 2012, the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program expects to have provided nearly $13 million to help students attend school. Eligibility was expanded this year from first-time college-bound students to include current undergraduates.

The GM Foundation hosted five of the 2012 national recipients at Education Nation, where they participated in the first-annual nationally televised Student Town Hall moderated by MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry. The students, Saad Amer; Medford, N.Y. (Harvard University); Denney Choi; Gardena, Calif. (University of California – Berkeley); Carmen Gil; Miami, Fla. (University of Florida – Gainesville); Thomas Jones; Orange, Tex. (Freed-Hardeman University) and Melissa Rey; Chesterfield, Mo. (Pomona College/Caltech), joined in conversations about today’s educational system, sharing ideas and concerns about the rising cost of a college education.

“Students are graduating today with more than $25,000 in debt, hindering them with years of financial burden,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “Through the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, the GM Foundation is able to alleviate some of those financial hurdles, while fostering the growth of the next generation of leaders for STEM-related fields.”

The program comes at a time when there are less than 1,500 math and science graduates for every 100,000 employed 25- to 34-year-olds in the United States, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.  In fact, the United States ranks 27th among developed nations where college students receive undergraduate degrees in science.

This year’s recipients represent every state in the nation. Additionally, 527 of the students are the first in their family to attend college while 73 recipients come from military families. 

For more information about the Buick Achiever Scholarship Program, to view the complete list of 2012 recipients, or to register for an e-mail notification when the next application window opens, please visit www.buickachievers.com.

Courtesty of: http://bit.ly/SkqtFp

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Read about the new and improved models that will boast a combined fuel economy of 28 MPG!

12:36 PM, September 20, 2012

Gmcrenaissaincebldng

"General Motors executives said today they will reveal nine all-new or redesigned Buick and GMC models by the end of 2013.
The automaker separately said that it would soon introduce a new version of the GMC Canyon mid-size truck.
The all-new or redesigned models included the already introduced 2013 Buick Encore crossover, which will be priced at $24,950 with combined average fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon, GM said today. The other models: Buick Enclave, Buick Regal, Buick Lacrosse, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra, GMC Sierra HD, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL..
“Our dealers have a lot momentum in the marketplace right now,” Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of marketing for Buick and GMC, said in a conference call. “During the next 12 months we’ll continue to give them new reasons for customers to visit their showrooms.”
GM’s decision to produce a new version of the GMC Canyon reflects a commitment to the mid-size truck segment, which some analysts believe is losing ground to the full-size segment.
But GM said it believes the Canyon will fill a niche in the market.
“We know there’s a group of customers that want the functionality of a truck but may not need a full-size pick,” DiSalle said.
DiSalle declined to provide timing or other details on the Canyon, but he said it would be produced at GM’s assembly plant in Wentzville, Mo.
After 2013, the GMC Terrain and recently introduced Buick Verano will be the oldest models in the brands’ lineups, reflecting an increased pace of new product introductions, the automaker said.
GMC attracts the youngest average buyer of GM’s four brands, and its larger vehicles deliver big profits for the automaker in the U.S. For both brands, 40% of sales are so-called “conquest” purchases, industry jargon for vehicle buyers who previously owned a different brand.
GM is also investing in showroom renovations to attract customers. The two brands often share a roof.
Brian Sweeney, U.S. sales and service vice president for Buick and GMC, said the brands would finish 600 showroom renovation projects by the end of 2012 and 1,100 by the end of 2013."

Courtesy of Freep.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

GM named No. 1 automotive solar power user in U.S.

Published: Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 9:30 AM

Updated: Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 9:38 AM

By Michael Wayland

Gmsolar

"DETROIT, MI- General Motors Co. is the No.1 automotive user of solar power in the U.S., according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The national trade association along with Vote Solar Initiative, determined the industry rankings by cumulative solar energy capacity.

“GM has set an example in renewable energy within its industry and beyond,” said Rhone Resch, CEO of the SEIA, in a statement. “Solar helps companies reliably manage their long-term energy costs, and our top 20 companies are going solar in a big way across the nation.”

Last year, GM committed to doubling its global solar output to 60 megawatts in the next three years, and to increase renewable energy use to 125MW by 2020.

In the U.S., 2.1 percent of the Detroit-based automaker’s energy consumption comes from renewable resources.

“We understand the environmental and business benefits of using renewable energy and we look forward to building on it with our new commitments,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of sustainability and global regulatory affairs.

According to officials, GM’s solar arrays will generate enough electricity this year to power 800 U.S. homes and that number is expected to double in 2013.

GM ranked thirteenth out of all U.S. companies for total installed solar capacity. 

The top 10 companies in terms of on-site solar capacity included Walmart, Costco, Kohl’s Department Stores, IKEA, Macy’s, McGraw-Hill, Johnson & Johnson, Staples, Inc., Campbell’s Soup and Walgreens.

Combined, the top 20 corporate solar users’ installations generate an estimated $47.3 million worth of electricity each year."

 

http://bit.ly/PFxAns

Thursday, September 13, 2012

New 2013 Buick Enclave Priced at $39,270

Modern style and advanced technology define new luxury crossover

2012-09-13

2013buickenclave

 

"DETROIT – The Buick Enclave – the top-selling three-row luxury crossover SUV in the U.S. market – gets updated for 2013 with new styling, more standard equipment, added safety technologies and IntelliLink connectivity for a suggested retail price of $39,270 including an $825 destination charge.

The 2013 Enclave will offer three different equipment groups, all with standard content including a seven-inch Color Touch radio with IntelliLink, high-intensity discharge headlamps, Rear Parking Assist, a Rear Vision Camera, remote start, a power liftgate and other luxury features. Every 2013 model also comes standard with the industry’s first front-center air bag, which is designed to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes.

An Enclave with the Leather Group adds leather-appointed upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power passenger seat, memory seat settings and Side Blind Zone Alert with Cross Traffic Alert starts at $43,285. Radar sensors monitor surroundings and alert the driver when a vehicle is in a blind spot or when a vehicle is approaching from either side while the Enclave is in reverse. 

The available Premium Group includes all standard and leather group equipment, along with standard 19-inch chrome clad wheels, articulating headlamps, a Bose premium audio system, cooled front seats, power-folding side mirrors and a power tilting/telescoping steering column for a base price of $46,450.

Enclave offers 7- or 8-passenger seating choices with no added cost for either. Additional options vary among equipment groups, but all Enclave models can be equipped with all-wheel drive ($2,000), navigation ($$795-1,540) and a trailering package ($525).

New LED daytime running lamps and LED-accented taillights add design and technology on the Enclave’s exterior, while new ambient interior lighting adds a cool Ice Blue glow to the cabin.

Dual-flow dampers at the front of the vehicle are among the Enclave’s chassis refinement advancements. These new components provide a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions.

“The original Enclave was a catalyst for the Buick, defining the brand’s high standards of design and refinement,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “The new 2013 model takes another step forward with a bolder look and advanced technologies.”"

 

http://bit.ly/TZAuYK

Friday, September 7, 2012

Apparently alternative fuel vehicles aren't just for the 20th and 21st century...

On this day in history, 1876, the first auto race in the United States which was held at the Narragansett Trotting Park in Cranston, Rhode Island, was won by which type of vehicle: electric, steam, or gas-powered?

Note: all types were entered in the race.

Firstusautorace

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Autos: GMC Sierra takes on building 2-story house

3:31 PM, Aug 29, 2012

General Motors employs 3,600 workers at its Fort Wayne plant, manufacturing truck models such as this 2500HD Denali. According to GMC, it offers Cadillac luxury and big-truck performance.

Sierrahouse

"GMC's latest advertising campaign shows its new trucks and crossovers in front of a construction site while George Jones and Tammy Wynette sing "Two Story House" in the background.

I love the song by George and Tammy, and the ad is brilliant marketing.

Music aside, the point is that GMC's professional-grade trucks are ready to build a two-story house, pull an RV and carry large loads. Whatever you want. For the biggest projects, you might want to check out the new Fort Wayne-built Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD.

If you're just looking for a weekend home improvement companion, the HD series probably is overkill.

The 1500 series is a great truck for that. To prove the point, a 2500HD can carry a payload of more than 4,200 pounds. The 3500HD, with a fifth-wheel, moves 23,100 pounds. That's more than 11.5 tons, and if you're moving that, you're probably building something larger than a standard two-story.

Serious capability begins with fully boxed high-strength steel frames, 36-gallon fuel tank and available 17-inch dually rear wheels. Owners can go through a long options list to balance ride and capability through available suspension, axle and torsion bar ratings.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes can halt any load. A choice of powertrains gets it moving again.

The standard engine is a 6.0-liter gas V8 that delivers 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque -- all routed to the road through a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission. New for 2013 is a bi-fuel version of the engine that can run on compressed natural gas. Real men and women will step up to the Duramax 6.6-liter diesel that produces 397 horsepower and 765 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission. Exhaust braking enables drivers to slow the vehicle on downhill grades without over-heating the brakes. Four-wheel-drive is available on all models to get through the worst winter weather or muddiest jobsite.

Beyond a competent chassis and powerful engines that can handle nearly anything, Sierra is equipped with an array of equipment to keep passengers safe.

Electronic stability control is standard on non-dually models, as is trailer sway control and hill start assist. Trailer sway control uses the electronic stability system to counteract oscillating trailers while hill start assist holds the vehicle momentarily while the driver lifts from brake to throttle. Head curtain side airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and dual front airbags stand by for emergencies.

A couple of country superstars would feel right at home in the Sierra's cabin.

Depending on trim level, one can get dual-zone automatic climate control, DVD player, heated leather seats, power-adjustable pedals and remote vehicle starter. Navigation, USB port for MP3 players and SiriusXM Satellite Radio keep you entertained and heading in the right direction.

Denali models add cooled seats and a heated steering wheel as well as Cadillac-grade trim. Bluetooth hands-free calling and dealer-installed WiFi connect passengers on the road or construction zone.

Designers clearly are spending their time finishing up an all-new Sierra that will be with us in about a year, but to carry the truck through until then, they put a new chrome grille on a handsome face.

Whether you choose regular, extended or crew cabs, the GMC Sierra HD is one smooth hauler. Go ahead and build that two-story house, barn or lake cabin. GMC is ready.

Competitors include the Ram 2500/3500, Ford F-250/F-350 and similar Chevy Silverado 2500HD/3500HD. Price start just under $30,000, but can pass $60,000 loaded with equipment and chrome."

 

http://indy.st/OWw1mG