ConsumerReports.org says that every year children are injured and killed because drivers (in 70% of cases, parents and relatives) don’t see them while backing up. We’ve all heard those heart-breaking stories of parents who have accidentally backed over their children. I’ll bet you’d be surprised to know that at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children die according to Kids and Cars, a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with blind zones/spots. However, most people only think of blind spots on the sides of their cars, but the real danger lies behind our new car, SUV or truck. One of the reasons we’ve seen an increase in the amount of back-up injuries is that larger vehicles (which have become increasingly popular through the last ten years) have much larger blind spots than your average passenger car. A contributing factor is that larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups, and minivans), which have become increasingly popular, have larger blind zones than passenger cars. For a 5’8″ man, the average blind zone is 12 feet in a small, four-door sedan while the average blind zone for a pickup truck is 24 feet.
In an attempt to help consumers understand how large some blind zones are, ConsumerReports.org measured the blind zones of a number of popular models. To measure the blind zones, a 28-inch traffic cone was positioned behind the vehicle at the point where the driver could just see its top. Their results showed that longer and taller vehicles tend to have significantly larger blind zones. On the bright side, three Chevrolet models were listed as having the smallest blind zones.
In the Small, Four-Door Sedans category, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze took first place with a blind zone of nine feet. The average for this category was 12 feet. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT ranked number one with a blind zone of only seven feet in the Small SUV category where the average came out to 13. Lastly, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro tied for first place in the Two-Door Coupes and Sports Cars category with a blind zone of nine feet compared to an average of 13. Way to go, Chevrolet!
Just because Chevy has some smaller blind zones doesn’t mean we safe from a backover accident. Back-up cameras play a huge part in lowering the number of injuries. So the next time your in the market for a new or used car or truck, head down to Classic Chevrolet and drive one of our vehicles equipped with a backup camera. I’m telling you… once you have one, you’ll never go back.
Since 1997, General Motors and the GM Foundation have served as Safe Kids Buckle Up’s exclusive funding source and helped build the program into a multifaceted national initiative, bringing motor vehicle safety messages to children and families through community and dealer partnerships. To date, more than 22 million people have been exposed to Safe Kids Buckle Up events and community outreach efforts. Certified child passenger safety technicians working through Safe Kids coalitions have examined over 1.4 million child safety seats at over 75,000 events and the program has donated over 520,000 seats to families in need.
This year, GM has teamed up with Safe Kids Worldwide again by launching a campaign to help prevent heat strokes due to being left in an unattended vehicle. According to a recent press release from Safe Kids Worldwide, dozens of children die of hyperthermia (or heat stroke) every year from being left in unattended vehicles. Safe Kids Worldwide and its state-based coalitions are mobilizing their network of partners – police and fire departments, hospitals and doctors’ offices, government agencies, childcare centers, businesses and others – to alert citizens to the grave dangers that hot vehicles pose to children and encourage people to Never Leave Your Child Alone In a Car.
President and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, Kate Carr, said they are “urging everyone to ACT: Avoid hyperthermia-related deaths by never leaving your child alone in a car and always locking doors and trunks; Create reminders and habits for you and your child’s caregivers to serve as a safety net to ensure you don’t forget your child; and Take action if you see a child unattended in a vehicle by immediately calling 911.”
Odds are, the Dallas Ft Worth metroplex is in for an even hotter summer than last year. So Classic Chevroletencourages everyone to remember to ACT.
AVOID stroke-related injury and death by:
Never leaving your child alone in the car, even for a minute.
Consistently locking unattended vehicle doors and trunks.
CREATE reminders and habits that give you and your child’s caregiver a safety net:
Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times.
Place a purse, briefcase, gym bag, cell phone or an item that is needed at your next stop in a back seat.
Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at childcare.
TAKE ACTION if you see an unattended child in a vehicle:
Dial 911 immediately and follow the instructions that emergency personnel provide – they are trained to determine if a child is in danger.
Let’s all join in the campaign and help prevent future tragedies. Remind your friends and family to Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car and to ACT.
Hey Grapevine, Dallas and Ft Worth Chevrolet enthusiasts, say hello to the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Unveiled at this year’s New York Auto Show, the 2014 Impala comes with standard and available new safety firsts for Chevrolet, including special radar to help avoid crashes, visual and audible alerts help drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervene when a crash threat appears more imminent.
In a GM press release, these new, first-time safety features were described in more detail. I can’t wait to see what rating the IIHS give the Impala.
Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control – Using radar technology, this feature senses traffic in front of the Impala to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again. It is the first application in a Chevrolet.
Collision mitigation braking – Another Chevy first: Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver. If the driver does not appear to react quickly enough or doesn’t react at all, this feature intervenes and applies the brakes in an effort to avoid the crash.
Forward collision alert – Camera technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course.
Lane departure warning – A camera-based lane detection system that warns the driver of impending lane changes. The camera, mounted near the inside rearview mirror, identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts.
Side blind zone alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the Impala and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
Rear cross traffic alert – Based on the radar sensors of side blind zone alert, it warns the driver of vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.
So what do you think, DFW? Do the Impala’s safety features sound appealing to you? Let’s not forget that the Impala is also extremely easy on the eyes. The 2014 model looks more like the Camaro in my opinion. Check out this video GM also released, and stick around for more news on the newest Chevrolet models.
The other day, we talked about what do to in the case of unintended acceleration and how to safely bring your new or used car or truck to a stop. Since most people probably don’t know how to do this, the Federal regulators have proposed a mandate to require all cars and trucks to be equipped with brake-throttle override technology.
Though it sounds really complex, brake-throttle override is just an electronic system that works with modern electronic throttle controls to reduce engine power whenever the brake pedal is depressed. Luckily, GM has already been using this technology for years and it seems that the Government is starting to see the real benefits and think it’s time to put this technology in all vehicles.
According to ConsumerReports.org, the new proposal was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a branch of the Department of Transportation that monitors safety complaints.
“America’s drivers should feel confident that anytime they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles—especially in the event of an emergency,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “By updating our safety standards, we’re helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work, even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake.”
Of course, the public will have a chance to comment on the proposed regulation before it is published.
ConsumerReports.org says they are pleased that NHTSA took this step forward to make smart-throttle override technology mandatory in cars, as is everyone at Classic Chevrolet are.
“To us, one of the most important safety features is to ensure that a vehicle can stop within a reasonable and safe distance, especially in an emergency,” says Consumer Union’s Senior Director of Federal Policy Ellen Bloom. “This should help minimize the risks of accelerator pedal sticking or floor mat entrapment.” Consumers Union is the advocacy and public policy arm of Consumer Reports.
On March 22nd, General Motors announced some good news for those of you who live for speed but prefer an automatic transmission instead of the classic stick-shift. That’s right Dallas Ft Worth, the Chevrolet Sonic’sfuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine will now be available in either manual or automatic transmission. Excited yet?
“Providing the option of a turbocharged engine to our non-stick driving Chevy customers allows us to offer everyone the thrill and power of a fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L powerplant,” said Jim Danahy, vehicle line director and vehicle chief engineer for North American small cars. “Both in the Sonic and Cruze, the engine enables better fuel economy without sacrificing power or performance. It’s really a winning combination.”
According to AMCI Testing, the Sonic’s Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission hit zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds which is faster than both it’s competitors – the Honda Fit and the Hyundai Accent. With the six-speed automatic, you won’t lose too much time. The Sonic with the turbo-automatic combination hit zero to 60 in about eight seconds.
“Traditionally, turbocharging was used to enhance the performance of engines, but today it is as much about fuel economy as a 0-to-60 time,” said Bob Benedict, assistant chief engineer for the Ecotec 1.4L engine. “The turbocharger provides high-pressure airflow for high torque to boost the vehicle and give the driver a fun driving experience with improved fuel efficiency.”
As if that wasn’t enough, we’re looking at EPA-estimated 37 mpg highway and 27 mpg around the metroplex. I told you this was good news. Stay tuned and check in with Classic Chevroletto find out when you can get behind the wheel of one. In the meantime, check out this video from GM.
Hey DFW Chevrolet carenthusiasts, are you heading to the DFW Auto Show in Dallas this weekend? If you haven’t already set aside some time to check it out, you may want to clear your schedule. The DFW Auto Show in Dallas started back in 1982 and now hosts more than half a million square feet of new cars, trucks and SUVs at the Dallas Convention Center.
Besides checking out Chevrolet’s awesome 2013 line up up close, be sure to head over to the Ride & Drive event in Lot E (the old Reunion Arena Parking Lot) adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center and get behind the wheel of a new Chevrolet!Hours for the Ride & Drive event are: 10 am to 7 pm Friday and Saturday (March 23 and 24); and 11 am to 6 pm Sunday (March 25). Participants must be 18 years old, and have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
As if you needed anymore incentive to attend, the DFW Auto Show is also sponsoring a contest – Test Drive a Car to Win a Gas Card! Just by test driving a new car, you’ll be registering to win a gas card – $300 for first prize, $200 for second prize and $100 for third prize! With gasoline prices expected to rise to more than four dollars a gallon, why wouldn’t you want to enter in this contest?
The show starts this Wednesday and tickets are only $12 for adults and $5 for senior citizens 65 and older. Want to bring the kids along? No problem! Kids 12 and under are free! See you there!
There is already a lot of doubt when it comes to electric cars. Why? I personally believe it’s because people are not properly informed and believe the numerous amount of myths floating around about electric cars. Truth of the matter is that almost all of these myths are not true. The public has sadly been misinformed by friends, family, etc. The good news? There are actually advocacy groups out there dedicated to giving the public the facts like Plug In America.
I found some great information on their web site debunking the most common myths associated with electric cars. Hopefully, you’ll have a different view point after reading these. Who knows, you may even head up to your Texas Chevrolet dealership and take the 2012 Chevrolet Volt for a little test drive. I’ll bet you’ll find you much more fond of it than you thought.
Myth: Electric cars are only good for short trips. Reality: Consumers have owned and driven electric vehicles for seven years or more and regularly use them on trips up to 120 miles.
Myth: Electric Vehicles take too long to charge. Reality: The most convenient place and time to charge is at home while you sleep. Even using the slowest 120-volt outlet, the car can be left to charge overnight, producing about 40 miles of range. Most new BEVs and PHEVs will charge from 240-volt outlets providing double or triple the charge in the same amount of time. Charging stations that reduce charging time even more are beginning to appear.
Myth: Electric vehicles are too expensive for market penetration.
Reality: The government stimulus package includes a $2,500 to $7,500 tax credit for EVs and PHEVs. Some states, including the great state of Texas where we reside, are considering additional incentives ($5,000 in California and Texas). And, the purchase and lifetime operating cost of an EV is on par with or less than its gas-powered equivalent because EVs require almost no maintenance or repair: no oil or filter changes, no tune ups, no smog checks.
One of the great things about our country and capitalism, is that technology keeps getting better and better and cheaper and cheaper. Think of expensive digital cameras and blu-ray players were when they first came out.
There are plenty of other myth associated with electric cars like the Chevrolet Volt. But try not to believe everything you hear, DFW. If you have any questions about the Volt at all, don’t think twice about giving Classic Chevrolet a call or swinging by the Grapevine car dealership to ask the professionals. They’ll set those doubts straight for you.
Hey Grapevine, Arlington, Dallas and Ft Worth Chevrolet fans, are you ready for the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco? General Motors recently loaned the Malibu to the folks over at Consumer Reports and their reviews are in. Their initial impression is good. But did we honestly expect anything less from Chevrolet? Consumer Reports’ summed up their review by saying that the Malibu’s redesign represents a major step forward in ride, handling, refinement, and interior quality. Here’s a snippet of what else they had to say.
The “Eco” designation indicates a mild hybrid with a small electric motor augmenting the gasoline-fueled engine. It works well, with smooth transmission shifts and decent acceleration. As in full hybrids, the engine shuts off when you stop and then instantly restarts when you let go of the brake pedal. The stop/start is so unobtrusive that most people won’t even notice it. Following the Malibu Eco, the base Malibu will debut with a new 190-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A range-topping version will be introduced even later in the year, with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine instead of a traditional V6.
With its quiet, nicely appointed cabin and absorbent, steady ride, the new Malibu feels almost like a luxury car. Handling is fairly agile with precise and responsive steering. Such driving dynamics are not entirely surprising given the car’s European donor, the sophisticated Opel Insignia from Germany. The Malibu is not as Euro-centric as the Regal, though: It has a more relaxed demeanor that may have broader appeal.
I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to jump in a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco and take it on my own test drive. Keep your eyes open for this beauty to hit your Dallas Ft Worth Chevrolet dealership this March. Until then, check out this video from Consumer Reports and get a first-hand look.
Pictured from left to right: Mike Zorn, Eric Hall, Ken Thompson, Dave Nottoli (Regional Director Chevrolet South Central Region, Tom Durant (owner Classic Chevrolet), Eric Bryant, Tim Hughes (Zone Manager Chevrolet), Johnny Broderick
The saying that “records are made to be broken” has never been more true than in the case of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, Texas. For the 6th consecutive year, Classic has led the nation in Chevrolet sales, an accomplishment never before achieved by any other Chevrolet dealer. In a ceremony at the dealership on Tuesday, Classic Chevrolet was presented with their 6th #1 Volume trophy from General Motor executives. “Now it’s about breaking our own record and keeping up the pace,” said Tom Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet.
Dave Notolli, Regional Director Chevrolet South Central Region was on hand to officially present the award and personally address the employees. “Despite the challenges of the highway construction [DFW Connector], you guys have managed to come out on top yet again. It’s like winning six Super Bowls in a row!” said Nottoli. “All of us at General Motors are incredibly proud of you and the thing we are most proud of is how you act as a team.”
In an industry where there is typically a great deal of employee turnover, the Classic staff has stayed remarkably stable, with many employees enjoying 13+ years of tenure. “We know that it takes teamwork to achieve this kind of success,” said Durant, “and we rely on each other for support and continually challenge each other to do our very best.” The proof is in the numbers. In six years, Classic Chevrolet has sold 28,426 new Chevrolets and also leads the region in certified preowned sales. Tom Durant acknowledged the fact that the continued construction of the DFW Connector project will pose the biggest challenge ever for his team. “This will be the toughest year we’ve ever had, but everyone in this room knows that we can make it seven in a row with all of us working together.”
Even though you might not like football, I’ll bet there are a few of you out there who watched the Super Bowl anyway just to see the commercials. Am I right? Chevy had some really great ones this year in case you happened to miss them.
Happy Grad
For those of you who don’t know, this ad actually came from Zach Borst, who beat out almost 200 other submissions by independent filmmakers around the world as part of the brand’s Route 66 Super Bowl XLVI ad contest!
Synopsis: One lucky college grad receives the best graduation gift ever — or does he?
Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”
Synopsis: The all-new Chevy Sonic is up for adventure. Get a load of this montage of its previous adventures. If you’ve been following this blog for awhile now, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of the Sonic and Chevy’s “Let’s Do This Campaign”. If you’ve missed any of the Chevy Sonic’s stunts in the past, click here to watch them all, or check out Chevy’s montage from the Super Bowl.
Chevy Silverado Apocalypse
Synopsis: A man drives his Chevy Silverado through an apocalyptic world predicted by the Mayan calendar. Unfortunately, not everyone makes it to the meeting point. No wonder the Silverado is known as the most dependable and longest lasting full size truck on the planet. However, the folks over at Ford weren’t too pleased with this commercial… watch it below to find out why.
So which Chevrolet Super Bowl ad was your favorite? Let you favorite Grapevine car dealer know by answering below!
Hi, I'm Hagen Durant, General Manager of Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine, TX - I am a huge car and truck enthusiast and love talking cars. I'm a cyclist, health nut, father, geek, and drummer. I look forward to giving you great information about cars and trucks, driving tips, maintenance and so much more.
If you have any questions or would like to make suggestions feel free to email them to me at hagen@classicchevytexas.com
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