Tag: chevy

Video: New Chevy Silverado ad aims for the cowgirl market

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet

Chevrolet is continuing its marketing blitz during the launch of the new Chevy Silverado with another ad toting the new truck’s safe towing capacity – even when you’ve got a “a 1200-pound passenger and 355 horses to get there.”

It’s a touching spot that tries to equate the connection someone feels to an animal best friend with the connection one has with a prized vehicle. We like the emotional direction Chevy’s gone in, as it’s quite different from, say, hearing a gravelly Denis Leary talk about the Ford F-150. And clearly, GM sees the need to market its new fullsize pickup to women in addition to men.

Still, this rural Chevy commercial has nothing on the Ram 1500 Super Bowl ad. Click below for the spot.

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New Chevy Silverado ad aims for the cowgirl market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Opel director Sedran to succeed Docherty as Chevy Europe boss

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Thomas Sedran, Chevy and Cadillac Europe bossWhen longtime General Motors executive Susan Docherty announced she would be stepping down from her post as the head of Chevrolet and Cadillac in Europe, there was some idle chatter that plans for the creation of a new global overseer position for the Bowtie brand was behind the move. And while US sales chief Alan Batey has indeed assumed control of Chevy worldwide since her departure announcement, Docherty’s vacancy is being filled after all, with Opel chief strategist Thomas Sedran taking up the reins.

That’s according to Automotive News, who reports that Sedran will be tasked with pulling Chevy out of a sales funk, much of it pegged on Europe’s stagnant auto industry, which has sunk to a 20-year low. AN notes that Chevy’s EU sales plunged 32 percent to 57,584 units through the first five months of 2013, but the everyday value brand is faring worlds better than Cadillac, which has sold just 167 units in Europe over the same time period.

Sedran, 48, has been in the auto industry for over 20 years. Most recently, at Opel he had been working on long-term plans for the marque, and was appointed to the brand’s management board in April of last year. Prior to joining GM, Sedran was employed as a management consultant for AlixPartners, where he worked closely with Opel for six years. Sedran will assume his new duties beginning July 1.

Opel director Sedran to succeed Docherty as Chevy Europe boss originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chevy Spark tops sales projections in first 12 months

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

2013 Chevy Spark - front three-quarter view, green paint

For a company that profits heavily from fullsize trucks and SUVs, Chevrolet has a surprisingly big hit on its hands with its smallest offering, the Spark. Automotive News is reporting that in its first 12 months in the US, the microcar has amassed 26,869 sales, which is 35 percent higher than the automaker originally estimated for the hatchback. The Spark has been on sale in other global markets since 2009, and Chevy has sold more than 720,000 units worldwide since its introduction.

Through May, the Korean-built Spark has sold a little more than 14,000 units putting it closer to the success of the Fiat 500 (17,562) rather than the low numbers from the Smart Fortwo (3,678) and Scion iQ (1,919). More importantly, its transaction price is the lowest in its segment (and presumably, the industry) with cars going for $14,563 on average, helping to bring new, younger customers to the Chevy brand. As for its sophomore year here in the US, there are a couple notable changes in store. First, the all-electric Spark EV will be joining the lineup, while Techno Pink paint will be dropped in favor of a new purple hue called Grape Ice.

Chevy Spark tops sales projections in first 12 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway

Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2014 Chevy Silverado towing Summerland camper

There is no doubting that fuel economy has become an important factor in the highly competitive fullsize truck market, with the Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 and Pentastar V6-powered Ram 1500 setting quite a precedent in recent years. Now it’s General Motors’ turn. The General has just announced that the new base V6 used in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models will return an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in two-wheel drive trim, regardless of cab configuration.

While these figures don’t go so far as to earn GM any “best-in-class” fuel economy claims (thanks to the 25-mpg Ram 1500 HFE), this new 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 does edge the F-150 and Toyota Tundra while boasting best-in-class numbers for torque, payload and towing capacity among six-cylinder rivals. This all-new engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, and it gives the 2014 Silverado and Sierra the highest towing rating among standard V6 models with a 7,200-pound towing capacity – besting the Ram by 700 pounds, the base F-150 by 1,100 pounds and coming within 200 pounds of the V8-powered Nissan Titan. Scroll down for the official press releases from Chevrolet and GMC.

Continue reading Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway

Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra full configurators truck in

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Work, Chevrolet, GMC

You can now put prices to your wildest option-sheet dreams of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. A microsite for the full-size pickup truck twins has been up since January, and now the full-blown configurator is live and ready to take your virtual orders. The only two chassis configurations available at the moment are the Crew Cab with either a short or standard bed – Regular and Double Cab versions will come later. In Silverado flavors that will run you $32,710 for the short box, $33,010 for the standard box, while the Sierra adds a $1,500 premium to both of those prices, and destination and handling for both models adds another $995.

Since these are American pickups the list of modifications is lengthy, but we added $11,450 in just two steps by starting with the Silverado Crew Cab and standard bed, then checking four-wheel drive and the LTZ Z71 package. Our final truck, resplendent in Brownstone Metallic paint, heated and cooled Cocoa/Dune perforated leather seating and tasty details like chrome recovery hooks, and engine block heater and LED cargo box lighting, rang up $57,285 at the candy store.

They’ll be on dealer lots sometime this summer, so now’s a good time to start practicing your box-checking.

2014 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra full configurators truck in originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Chevrolet, GM

2012 Chevrolet Corvette

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to TheDetroitBureau.com, General Motors is planning to alter its strategy with the next-generation Corvette to appeal to a wider range of customers. Traditionally, the Corvette has always been offered with high-displacement eight-cylinder powertrains, but according to sources within GM, the C7 Corvette may also offer a small, turbocharged V8.

Just how small, exactly? TDB reports that the next Corvette’s European-style V8 could measure in at just over 3.0 liters, using an overhead-cam setup and dry sump oil system. With the aid of turbocharging, unnamed GM sources expect that this engine will deliver “in excess of 400 horsepower,” or about 125 hp per liter. What’s more, the smaller V8 could be of the extremely high-revving nature, with TDB citing that engine revs could handle up to 10,000 RPM.

GM’s North American president, Mark Reuss, previously told The Bureau that the C7 Corvette will “target a very different sort of buyer.”

However, traditional V8 enthusiasts need not worry, as the story states that a full range of engines will be available, including the classic larger displacement units that have traditionally found a home in the Corvette.

Of course, the rumormill about exactly what’s in store for the C7 Corvette continues to swirl. We’ve heard everything from a mid-engine layout to a split rear window design that pays tribute to the 1963 ‘Vette. Whatever the case, GM just invested $131 million in the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds the Corvette and the all-new model is expected to arrive within the next two to three years.

Next Chevy Corvette to offer small-displacement turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Aging Chevy Impala gets standard 302-hp V6 for 2012

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Impala

2011 Chevrolet Impala – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has finally come out and said exactly what kind of power the 2012 Chevrolet Impala will bring to the table when it debuts later this year. In February, we heard that the aging full-size four-door will come with a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, though at the time, The General elected to skip handing out any specifics beyond displacement. According to GMInsideNews, the 2012 Impala will pack a full 302 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in standard trim when it touches down.

The 2012 Buick Lacrosse is set to receive the same updated 3.6-liter V6.

Unfortunately, those impressive numbers are to be the sum total of the updates that GM has planned for the Impala. The model has been on sale in its current configuration since 2006 and a full update isn’t scheduled to land until 2014 at the earliest. Still, as GMInsideNews points out, the refreshed six pot gives the 2012 Impala almost as much power as the old Impala SS – not too shabby.

Aging Chevy Impala gets standard 302-hp V6 for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Chevy Citation trike can’t decide which way to go

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Specialty

Triation custom vehicle

The Triation – Click above for high-res image gallery

Some creations out there defy description, walking the thin line between absurdity and awesome toed by the likes of the Volkswagen Type II flatbed and the Tatra T87. This is one such machine. Branded “Triation” by its wayward creator, this ride seemingly mates all the hatefulness of the Chevrolet Celebrity with a propensity for rollovers typically enjoyed only by the Reliant Robin. You see, the Triation uses a Celebrity’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder to push itself down the road.

Why? You’d be better off spending your time pondering why there are no indigo skittles.

Along with three years of custom fabrication work, this project makes use of enough fiberglass to sustain the aftermarket body kit industry for posterity. The seller claims that the Triation has spent most of its life garaged since it needs a clutch. If the thought of fiberglass splinters and malaise-era reliability have you licking your chops, you’d better get on it. This machine is up to $4,700 with the reserve not met and a few hours left on the auction.

eBay Find of the Day: Chevy Citation trike can’t decide which way to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woman survives 7 weeks in wilderness in her Chevy Astro

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Chevrolet, GM

woman survives seven weeks in astro van

Rita Chretien survives for seven weeks in her Astro Van – Click above to watch video after the jump

The Chretiens left British Columbia with their Chevrolet Astro Van pointing towards Las Vegas. Rita and her husband Albert were embarking on a 1,200-mile road trip. Unfortunately for the Chretiens, and for reasons we don’t know, that Asto Van ended up stuck in the mud out in the Nevada wilderness.

After sitting helpless for a few days, Rita’s husband couldn’t wait around any more and left on foot to try and find some help. Rita stayed behind, and survived for seven weeks in the Chevy before a group of hunters came across the stuck vehicle. Rita Chretien had survived by rationing her trail mix and drinking melted snow. Sadly, Albert has not yet been found but the search for Mr. Chretien continues. Click past the jump to watch an ABC News spot on this story.

Continue reading Woman survives 7 weeks in wilderness in her Chevy Astro

Woman survives 7 weeks in wilderness in her Chevy Astro originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sales update: Nissan Leaf hits 573, Chevy Volt at 493 in April

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM, Nissan, Electric

nissan leaf chevy volt mash up

Last month we tallied the cumulative North American sales of both the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, and it’s time to check those numbers again. While neither vehicle is selling like hotcakes, April’s numbers show that one of the two electric autos is inching up the sales chart, while the other has slipped a bit.

The Leaf sold 573 units in April versus the Volt’s 493. Compared to March’s results, which had Leaf sales at 298 and Volt sales at 608, Nissan’s electric hatch has gained some ground, while Chevy’s plug-in lost some traction.

The latest cumulative U.S. sales totals for the plug-in duo, since launching in late 2010, has the Volt leading the pack with 2,029 units sold, while the Leaf comes in at 1,044. Year-to-date, Volt sales stand at 1,703, while Nissan says Leaf production had, as of April 15th, hit nearly 8,000.

Nissan’s presser on Leaf sales is posted after the jump and a detailed look at GM’s numbers are available here (PDF warning).

[Source: Nissan, General Motors]

Continue reading Sales update: Nissan Leaf hits 573, Chevy Volt at 493 in April

Sales update: Nissan Leaf hits 573, Chevy Volt at 493 in April originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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