ALL-NEW TRAVERSE CROSSOVER LEADS CHEVY TRUCK LINEUP INTO 2009
DETROIT
Chevrolet shakes up the crossover segment in 2009 with the all-new Traverse – an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. It leads Chevy’s lineup of proven, dependable trucks into the new model year.
“The Traverse is the right vehicle at the right time,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “It has great looks, utility and safety, with a driving experience typically found in smaller vehicles. But Traverse delivers it with three rows of seating – including a third row that fits adults – and class-leading cargo space.”
Developed with the same formula that made the ’08 Malibu a hit, the Traverse is bringing Chevy back to a new generation of consumers, with great styling, class-leading features and value. Those attributes are exemplified in trucks that live up to the brand’s heritage of ruggedness and capability. GM’s commitment to fuel solutions is delivering uncompromising performers that uphold the capability expectations of a Chevy truck with greater efficiency.
In ’09, the Silverado Hybrid joins the Tahoe Hybrid as the second full-size truck in Chevy’s portfolio to be powered by GM’s patented 2Mode Hybrid system, delivering approximately 25-percent improved overall fuel economy – including substantially greater efficiency in city driving – with excellent towing capability. New, fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions also have been added to most of Chevy’s full-size light-duty trucks and SUVs.
Additionally, the peerless HHR Panel SS joins the lineup and a new, 5.3L V-8 is offered in the midsize Colorado. The TrailBlazer soldiers on as one of the best value stories in its segment, with the incomparable SS edition returning, too – much to the delight of high-performance enthusiasts who’ve made the “TBSS” a cult hit.
“There’s never been a more diverse range of Chevy trucks,” said Peper. “There is absolutely something to suit any customer’s needs.”
Traverse details
With styling cues inspired by the acclaimed ’08 Chevy Malibu, the Traverse delivers refined details with strong proportions and the bold front-end appearance found on all new Chevrolets. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Product highlights include:
Distinctive design that highlights the new face of Chevrolet
Optimized aerodynamics that enhance fuel economy and reduce wind noise
Four-wheel independent suspension system
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
Family of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
Second-row Smart Slide seat feature, for easy access to the third-row seats
Rear-seat entertainment system with second-row controls
Six standard air bags, including side curtain air bags that deploy over all three seating rows
OnStar with Turn by Turn Navigation and Direction Download (with navigation system)
XM Satellite Radio with XM NavTraffic, a real-time traffic feature (with navigation system)
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
Cruising range of more than 500 miles (800 km)
Exceptional attention to detail and strong build quality.
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2008 Crossover of the Year - Buick Enclave
As people have expanded their uses for the cars and trucks they drive, it was inevitable those vehicles would change to accommodate drivers' needs. A need for versatility spawned the development of crossover vehicles, similar to the wagons that preceded them. In this vehicle category that has been growing faster than any other, there are many contenders for the crown. However, one crossover stood above the rest. The Buick Enclave was awarded top honors as the 2008 ICOTY Most Versatile Crossover/Wagon.
Buick isn't modest in stating why it won. Quieter than the luxury crossovers it was designed to overtake, the Enclave puts an American stamp on a decidedly international premium segment. Power comes from a 275-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 variable valve timing (VVT) engine with Buick's first-ever, six-speed automatic transmission. It earns 16 city/24 highway mpg in front wheel drive and 16/22 mpg for an all-wheel-drive that Buick calls best in class. Roomy inside, the Enclave is safe during driving thanks to its rollover mitigation technology as part of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control. The Enclave also adds Turn-by-Turn voice guided navigation through GM's OnStar system. Premium sound, rear seat DVD, navigation system with backup camera and remote start are available beyond the base prices in the low to mid $30,000 range.
Outside the Enclave offers a smoothly elegant exterior with a new signature waterfall black chrome grille. Unique among amenities are a fold-flat second row console that leaves a level load floor in its place. The front row armrest slides back to reveal a pull out tray over a deep storage bin. For purists, there an exclusively Buick touch front fender portholes.
Click here to build your own.
MileOne Automotive Launches MileOneService.com; Integrates Online Service Scheduling
MileOne has announced the official release of the first, service only website and the integration of online service scheduling into nearly all-Maryland and Pennsylvania dealership websites.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) October 1, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive is pleased to announce the first ever service-only website by an automotive retail dealership group. The new site features service specials, educational service videos, vehicle maintenance tips for new and used cars, and will help customers better understand the care required to maintain and extend the life of their vehicles. From both MileOneService.com and individual dealership new and used car websites, customers will also be able to schedule confirmed service appointments, monitor the progress of their service and eventually pay for their visit directly through the website, allowing them to expedite their servicing visits.
"We know our customers want to do business with us on their terms and as an automotive group, we have been very diligent about giving our customers the ability to find, research, watch videos and buy new and used cars through our websites, but it was time we provided the same services for our most loyal customers - our service customers. We believe this site, which will continue to expand, will change the way customers service with our dealerships and increase their awareness of proper car and truck maintenance," says David Metter, Chief Marketing Officer for MileOne Automotive.
MileOne Automotive is known as a technology leader in the automotive retail space and with their service site, they have once again stepped out in front of the competition with resources to add value to their customer experience. Future plans for the site include full customer portals, where users can access personalized coupons and maintenance tips based on their vehicle servicing and purchase history, discussion forums to answer their servicing questions, customer video reviews and the latest recall information with an RSS feed. Their goal is to revolutionize the way customers think about vehicle maintenance and service with a proactive approach to taking care of their car or truck and MileOneService.com is the engine for creating this transformation.
Mike Zalowski, Service Director of Heritage Honda in Parkville and Towson, MD has been eagerly awaiting the launch of the site, "I have been in the automotive servicing business for 20 years and with Honda for 10 of those years and I have seen the industry change drastically on the sales side and lag behind in service when it comes to how our customers interact with our service teams. Sure, we have top of the line diagnostics equipment and master trained technicians that can diagnose just about any vehicle issue, but until now we couldn't even allow our customers to truly schedule a confirmed service appointment online. Some customers who used the site when it was in BETA have already raved about how user-friendly and easy it was to get the service information they needed and to then schedule the appropriate service appointment for anything from tire rotations, to express oil changes, to major services and even reserve their loaner car. Our customers will love this new way to service with us. "
Go to www.mileonservice.com to learn how to take proper care of your car or truck, watch service maintenance videos, view great service specials, print coupons for discount service and schedule your appointment for service. Scheduling is as easy as 1, 2, 3 by first picking your location, registering for your account and then selecting your advisor and date/time for your appointment.
About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.
Tailgating Tips From The Pros
From Jim Walczak
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.
Maryland’s state tree is the:
Answer:
(Two Words)
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
Fall Car Care Tips
After summer's heat but before winter's chill, the months of autumn present an ideal time for car service and maintenance.
The following tips from the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) should give you a road map to fall car care. According to officials at ASE, "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse. A breakdown, while never pleasant, can be deadly in the winter."
First things first -- Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine drivability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at your MileOne dealer. Cold weather makes existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.).
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual; more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended.) D-I-Y-ers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent -- you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires "cool down" before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few "high-energy" snacks in your glove box.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.
Maryland's state tree is the White Oak.
