Consumers Vote Volt No. 1 At Edmunds.com Zeigler Chevrolet

Consumers Vote Volt No. 1 At Edmunds.com

by Chevrolet in the News on September 2, 2011

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In addition to being one of the nation’s premier resources for online vehicle research, Edmunds.com also provides a key opportunity for owners themselves to review their vehicles, creating a unique—and important—measure of quality from consumers who know those vehicles best. And this year, it was the Chevrolet Volt that came out on top of its class in the website’s 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated vehicles list, besting all other vehicles in the “Hybrid” segment. (Note: As Edmunds.com admits, the Volt “isn’t really a hybrid like the Toyota Prius,” but the site didn’t have another category in which to put the unique Chevy!)
Comments from new Chevy Volt drivers included:

• “I have owned my Volt since mid-March, and have used exactly 20 gallons of gas over 3,100 miles. I also own a Prius and feel that the Volt, though a bit smaller, is a big leap forward over that fine car. The Volt is quicker, handles better, is quieter, has much lower operating cost/mile (I pay only $0.10 per kWh), and has been totally glitch-free. It’s an astonishing achievement.”
• “The Volt is my first American car, ever. I currently also have a VW and SAAB. The ride and handling to me are very much like a European vehicle. The fit and finish are impressive. This is an extremely well-thought-out vehicle.”
• “My Volt is incredible. My lifetime mpg is 112 and rising. I’ve driven over 1,000 miles without any gas. I didn’t buy any gas the first month I owed it. It has a sport mode that makes it fun and sporty to drive with speed to jerk your head back. It’s as powerful as a V6. I’m loving it.
• “The car, the concept, everything about it is game changing. My other car is a CTS-V and it has been parked ever since I got the Volt. Saving gas $$ is not my objective—using the cutting-edge technology and proving it in everyday use is the fun part.”
• “The Volt is absolutely the best car I’ve ever driven. It’s quick, nimble, stylish, and simply incomparable from a technology standpoint.”
• “Now in my second month and still have not used more than 2 gallons of gas. The car is surprisingly responsive, feels solid and has had no bugs, defects or annoyances that sometimes accompany new purchases. My average battery range is about 42 miles, but with the range-extending on-board generator, there is no anxiety whatsoever about ‘getting there.’ Moving from my prior Mercedes S 430, I find the Volt to be a remarkably well-engineered product.”

Perhaps even more remarkable: When the 2012 Volt goes on sale later this year, it will have a starting price that’s more than $1,000 below that of the 2011 base model. Showcasing an MSRP that begins at $39,995, and a net cost to consumers of just $32,495 (after a full $7,500 federal tax credit), the 2012 Chevy Volt is available for ordering now—at Chevrolet dealerships in all 50 states.

Chevy Volt Top Saftey Pick Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Chevy Volt Earns IIHS “Top Safety Pick” Status

by Chevrolet in the News on May 26, 2011

Already one of the most innovative and highly awarded vehicles ever built by Chevrolet, the all-new Chevy Volt also is one of the safest: Just ask the experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which recently recognized the world’s first mass-produced extended-range electric vehicle with its much coveted “Top Safety Pick” honor.
Just like other Top Safety Picks, the Volt had to both offer electronic stability control—a standard feature on the Chevy—and garner the highest possible scores in IIHS evaluations of side, rear, frontal and rollover crash protection. On the other hand, one particular Volt characteristic did have a noticeable affect on its safety performance. Because of its high-efficiency battery pack, the Volt outweighs many similarly sized vehicles on the road today, and those added pounds can mean added protection to occupants.
Because size and weight affect crashworthiness, as explained by Joe Nolan, chief administrative officer for the IIHS, the Volt’s extra mass provides it with “a safety advantage over other small cars,” making it “a win-win for fuel economy and safety.”
In addition, the Volt showcases a wide range of standard safety content, including:

• GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Front side, knee and full-length side-curtain airbags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) compatibility for safety seats
• A five-year subscription to the OnStar Directions and Connections Plan with Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and navigation capabilities
• A driver-operated alert feature, developed in conjunction with the American Federation of the Blind, that can be used when the Volt is running in its near-silent all-electric mode to sound a warning for pedestrians (particularly those with visual impairments)

“Safety remains one of the most important factors buyers weigh when purchasing a vehicle,” said Doug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive. “The IIHS designation reiterates the Volt as a safe, practical vehicle that can be a family’s only car—without compromises.”

Zeigler Chevy Cruze Named to top 10 best interiors.

Chevy Cruze Named To “10 Best Interiors” List

by Chevrolet in the News on May 27, 2011

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze—in its 2LT RS trim—took home one of the industry’s most prestigious honors recently, when Chevy’s fuel-sipping compact earned a place on the annual Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list.
According to Ward’s editors:
“The Cruze illustrates clearly how the growing market for economy cars has convinced auto makers that cutting corners in the passenger compartment no longer works. Soft-touch surfaces, high-grade plastics, properly bolstered leather-appointed seats and great attention to noise reduction make the Cruze a wonderful value at $22,910.”
Of course, it’s an even better value at $16,525, which is the starting MSRP on the base Cruze. And even here, the Chevy offers plenty of high-quality materials and standard content, including 10 air bags—the most in the Cruze’s segment—along with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, air conditioning, ambient lighting, power windows and door locks, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, six months of GM’s OnStar system, and more.
The sporty RS appearance package that helped the Cruze garner its recognition from Ward’s then builds on that strong foundation with further interior design touches like an uplevel instrument cluster with chrome accent rings, opaque cluster bevels and ice-blue backlighting. Also in the mix is an aggresive RS body kit for the exterior, with model-specific fascias, rocker moldings, rear spoiler and foglamps.
The 2011 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list was based on a long list of criteria, among them being a vehicle’s materials, ergonomics, safety, human-machine interface, comfort, fit and finish, overall value, and aesthetics. Judges reviewed 51 new or significantly refreshed vehicles for this year’s recognition, eventually whittling the number down to just eight winners.
To get the inside story on the whole 2011 Chevrolet Cruze family—including the 42-mpg Cruze Eco—visit your local dealership today.

 

1000 miles between fill ups... Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Chevrolet Volt Is Edison Award Gold Medalist

by Chevrolet in the News on May 16, 2011

The groundbreaking 2011 Chevrolet Volt won a major new honor recently when the world’s first extended-range electric vehicle was recognized with a Gold Medal from the 2011 Edison Awards. Inspired by the persistence and excellence of American inventor Thomas Alva Edison—who earned more than 1,000 U.S. patents—the awards are given annually to recognize the top achievements in innovation from around the country.
The Volt more than lives up to that ideal, thanks to industry advances in key areas like aerodynamics and powertrain development. Hours of painstaking work in GM wind tunnels make the Volt the most aerodynamic vehicle ever sold by Chevrolet, while the car’s incredible propulsion system is allowing drivers to go more than 1,000 miles between fill ups. That’s because the Volt can deliver up to 50 miles of all-electric, no-emissions driving on a routine overnight charge.
And there’s no need to worry about “range anxiety” with the Volt, either. If its battery pack runs low, the car’s high-efficiency I4 engine can take over to deliver hundreds of more miles of driving capability at an EPA-rated 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/37 mpg combined.
Backed by this kind of practical technology, the Volt’s long list of honors also includes:

• Motor Trend Car of the Year
• Automobile Magazine Car of the Year
• Green Car of the Year
• Popular Science Best of What’s New
• Ward’s 10-Best Engine designation

“Being selected as an Edison Award winner validates our drive to develop an all-new transportation solution,” said Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for the Chevrolet Volt. “Innovation has been at the heart of the Volt from its onset; from the development of the Li-ion battery to the drive unit and the driver connectivity.”

Visit the all new Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg!!!!

2012 Chevy Corvette Changes Zeigler Chevrolet Scahumburg

2012 Corvette: America’s Best Gets Better

by Chevrolet in the News on May 24, 2011

After pushing Corvette performance to new levels with the incredible ZR1, and then commemorating Chevy’s 100th anniversary with the debut of the Chevrolet Centennial Edition, the brand has re-set the bar once more by unleashing significant upgrades for the 2012 model year.
“We constantly strive to make the Corvette a better car on the road and the track,” says Tadge Juechter, Corvette vehicle line director and chief engineer. “For 2012, the Corvette lineup achieves its highest performance level ever, while at the same time being easier to drive and enjoy thanks to several changes and new features inside the car.”
It all starts in the Corvette’s cabin, where the entire 2012 lineup gets a thorough interior refresh that includes a new seat design with larger, more supportive bolsters and available Microfiber suede inserts; a revised steering wheel that showcases streamlined switch trim and wrapped spokes, along with different badging for each different Corvette model; a padded center console and armrests; and a new uplevel audio system from Bose. The fresh setup boasts nine speakers (two more than the previous system), and includes new tweeters and improved bass performance. In addition, customers can now choose from four brake-caliper colors—red, yellow, silver or gray—to further fine-tune their ‘Vette’s appearance.
But the big news comes at the top of the Corvette lineup, where the big boys play. The two best-performing Corvettes—the lightweight Z06, boasting a 505-hp V8, and the ZR1, living up to its title as the ultimate Corvette with a supercharged 638 horses under the hood—get some fine-tuning of their own. Among their available performance-oriented enhancements: New Michelin Cup ZP competition-style tires, developed by the same Michelin engineers who are behind the rubber for Corvette Racing’s American Le Mans Series efforts. The 285/30-19 (front) and 335/25-20 (rear) tires are then wrapped around all-new aluminum wheels, available with either satin-black or machined finishes. And not only are they five pounds lighter than the outgoing wheels, but they’re stronger, too.
The 2012 model year also will see the introduction of Corvette’s exclusive Performance Traction Management (PTM) technology to the Z06. PTM helps manage torque delivery for optimum performance and, when combined with the new wheel/tire combination, helped cut three seconds from the Corvette’s lap times during testing at the Virginia International Raceway.
Other new optional goodies include a full-width racing-style spoiler for both the Z06 and ZR1, as well as the addition of Magnetic Selective Ride Control—the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology—for the Z06.
Production of the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette lineup is expected to begin in July.

For more information about Corvette or ordering a 2012 Corvette visit Zeigler Chevrolet in Schaumburg IL

Chevy Volt Uses Recycled Material From Gulf Oil Spill. Video Zeigler Chevrolet

Chevy Volt Uses Recycled Material From Gulf Oil Spill

by Chevrolet in the News on December 22, 2010

General Motors has devised a way to “creatively recycle” oil-soaked plastic boom material from the BP oil spill. The material, salvaged from the Gulf of Mexico, has been re-purposed for auto parts used in the Chevrolet Volt.
“Creative recycling is one extension of GM’s overall strategy to reduce its environmental impact,” said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety policy. “We reuse and recycle material by-products at our 76 landfill-free facilities every day. This is a good example of using this expertise and applying it to a greater magnitude.”
If GM didn’t devise a method to convert the 100 miles of material, it would have likely wound up in landfills. Luckily, the material is much better suited going into the all-new Volt. The parts used with this material deflect air around the Volt’s radiator and are comprised of 25 percent boom material and 25 percent recycled tires, and the remaining is a mixture of post-consumer recycled plastics and other polymers.
“This was purely a matter of helping out,” said John Bradburn, manager of GM’s waste-reduction efforts. “If sent to a landfill, these materials would have taken hundreds of years to begin to break down, and we didn’t want to see the spill further impact the environment. We knew we could identify a beneficial reuse of this material given our experience.”
The Chevy Volt was recently awarded Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal, so it seems appropriate that the extended-range EV is built with recycled and/or renewable materials. For more information on this incredible process, see the video below.

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Maximize MPG with the Chevy Cruze from Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg!

Advanced Tires Help The Chevy Cruze Maximize MPG

by Chevrolet in the News on May 5, 2011

As gas prices exceed $4 per gallon in many parts of the country, the Chevrolet Cruze Eco is a compact car that’s ready to help drivers save money at the pump. Although it’s equipped with a fuel-efficient powertrain, the Cruze Eco also boasts one innovative feature that helps conserve fuel — its tires.
General Motors worked closely with tire manufactures to produce an industry benchmark tire that boosts fuel efficiency by three miles per gallon on the Chevy Cruze Eco, the most fuel-efficient model in the Cruze lineup. That may not sound like much, but that translates into about 38 extra miles on a tank of fuel and a savings of about $112 per year for the average driver.
“This tire is way beyond anything in its category,” said GM engineer Chuck Lantz. The Cruze Eco tires make use of special polymers built into the tread compound to reduce rolling resistance, which means less energy is required to keep the tire moving.
So the question is, what makes this tire so unique? According to Lantz, the Cruze Eco’s tires are made of an advanced high-tech polymer that reduces rolling resistance without sacrificing traction.
“Thanks to the high-tech polymers we used, we were able to create a high-MPG set of tires without making tradeoffs in other important areas like tire-braking traction and all-weather handling,” said Lantz. “As far as the ride goes, these tires are as smooth as any tire on the road today.”
The fuel-sipping Chevy Cruze Eco achieves 42 miles per gallon on the highway. With a starting suggested price of $19,175, Cruze Eco offers hybrid-like fuel economy without the premium price tag.

 

Chevy Volt Helps Feathered Friends! Zeigler Chevrolet Scahumburg

Chevy Volt Helps Feathered Friends Feel Right At Home

by Chevrolet in the News on May 2, 2011

The advanced lithium-ion batteries in the Chevrolet Volt are a key enabler of the car’s environmentally friendly mission, and not just because they can help the drivers achieve an emissions-free, all-electric driving range of up to 50 miles. Showcasing GM’s long-time dedication to recycling, 10 environmental and facilities engineers from General Motors, along with a group of local kids from Detroit’s Lasky Recreation Center, recently teamed up to hatch a new way to get the most from the Volt’s batteries: Converting scrap battery covers—which would have otherwise ended up getting tossed out with the trash—into nesting boxes for the wood ducks, screech owls and other bird life living at GM facilities across the country.
“This is a great example of finding an alternative use for something we receive in our assembly plant every day,” said John Bradburn, manager of waste-reduction efforts for GM. “Our employees think about waste differently than most … they view it as a challenge to keep items in their use phase.”
And this isn’t the first time the Volt has extended its ecologically sound approach to the auto industry beyond the road. Earlier this year, GM announced it had developed a way to take the plastic boom material being used to soak up oil from the Gulf of Mexico and then recycle it into parts found under the Volt’s hood. This effort is expected to keep more than 100,000 pounds of plastic waste out of landfills this year alone.
“This was purely a matter of helping out,” added John Bradburn. “If sent to a landfill, these materials would have taken hundreds of years to begin to break down, and we didn’t want to see the spill further impact the environment. We knew we could identify a beneficial reuse of this material given our experience.”

Chevy Camaro Overtakes The Ford Mustang Zeigler Chevrolet!!!

Chevy Camaro Overtakes The Ford Mustang

by Chevrolet in the News on December 29, 2010

The long reign of the Ford Mustang has finally ended. For the first time since 1985, the Chevrolet Camaro has overtaken the Mustang’s sales leadership.
Just one year General Motors emerged from a bankruptcy restructuring, the new Camaro has overtaken the Mustang, arguably the hottest generation yet. Through November, Ford sold 68,264 Mustangs. Chevy had sold 75,685 Camaros.
Making this feat even more impressive, the Camaro has outsold the Mustang without a convertible model or a high-performance Shelby GT500 competitor. However, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible will go on sale in February and a Z28 model is due at the end of 2011.

Safe Kids USA Launches Heat-Stroke Prevention Zeigler Chevrolet

Safe Kids USA Launches Heat-Stroke Prevention Campaign

by Chevrolet in the News on April 25, 2011

In 2010, a record 49 children between two months and six years of age died from heatstroke after being left unattended in a vehicle. This year, the first such tragedy occurred in the very first week of March, in Texas, when a parent accidentally left her child in a car during a long day at work.
It’s a trend that demands expanded prevention efforts, and Safe Kids USA is stepping up to the plate with an awareness campaign called the “Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car” program, which is being sponsored by long-time Safe Kids partner the General Motors Foundation.
Leveraging its national network of 600 coalitions and chapters, Safe Kids USA is working with local police and fire departments, hospitals, child-care centers, government agencies, businesses and other groups to ensure parents and other caregivers understand the lethal danger of leaving children alone in vehicles. Among the resources being used are billboards, print ads, web banners and radio announcements, in English and Spanish.
“These tragedies can happen anywhere at any time as child deaths in cars and trucks from heat stroke have occurred as early as February and when the outside temperature was as low as 57 degrees F,” said John Formisano, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Our coalition network across the United States will help alert the 250 million vehicle owners to the dangers because everyone needs to understand this critical issue and how to ensure the safety of children.”
Key information all drivers need to know includes:

• Always locks all vehicles—A simple step like locking your vehicle when it’s unattended can help assure that kids can’t enter it and become trapped. Remember: 30 percent of recorded heat-stroke deaths in this country occur when a child gets into an unattended vehicle.
• Create a reminder system—It may seem surprising, but many child heat-stroke deaths happen when a distracted driver leaves the car and forgets his/her child. Help reduce the chance of this occurring by creating reminders for yourself, like placing your cell phone, briefcase, gymbag—something you’ll need at your next stop—on the floor in front of your child. That way, you’ll see your child the next time you get out of the car.
• You can also set an alarm on your phone, or a daily prompt on your electronic calendar. Another good tactic if you use daycare is to set up a plan in which you’re called if your child doesn’t arrive after at a certain time—just don’t forget to update your daycare partner if you change your daily routine.
• Call 911 immediately if you see an unattended child in a car—EMS professionals will be able to determine if a child is in trouble, which can happen fast. Children’s body temperatures rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, leaving them much more vulnerable to heat stroke. And if a child is missing, check nearby vehicles—including their trunks—first!

Safe Kids USA is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14.
For more information about preventing child heat-stroke deaths, please visit www.ggweather.com/heat and www.safekids.org/nlyca.

New Chevy Crossover to Debut Zeigler Chevrolet

New Chevy Crossover To Debut For Fleet Customers

by Chevrolet in the News on April 22, 2011

As fleet customers across the country continue increasing their demand for compact crossovers, Chevrolet is answering the call by introducing the Chevy Captiva Sport. The nimble new model is a variant of the Chevrolet Captiva, the brand’s very popular global crossover, which is sold in some 50 international markets.
“It says a lot about our ability to draw on international programs and proven, quality crossovers that we were able to identify and federalize a strong new entrant such as Captiva Sport for the U.S. market,” said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “We turned to our global network for a solution to quickly meet the rising demand from local fleet customers and continue to meet strong retail demand for the Equinox.”
And to be clear here: The Equinox, with it’s best-in-class fuel economy—up to 32 mpg highway—and array of family-friendly features, will remain a key player in Chevrolet’s retail lineup.
As for the Captiva Sport, it will offer fleet owners Euro-style driving dynamics and fuel-economy numbers, room for five passengers, plenty of cargo space and more, including:

• Both I4 and V6 direct-injection engines
• A fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission
• Available all-wheel drive
• A standard six-speaker sound system with XM Satellite Radio
• Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control and electronic stability control
• A long list of available up-level content, like a 10-speaker sound system, sunroof, rear-view camera, and leather-trimmed and heated front seats

“The range of features offered by the Captiva Sport is as rich as any Chevrolet vehicle,” added Batey. “Our fleet customers will find it to be a versatile vehicle that gives them the cargo capacity they need, in a fuel efficient package that will help keep their ownership costs in check.”
The new Chevrolet Captiva Sport is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu First Look!! Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg!

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Comes Into Focus

by Chevrolet in the News on April 14, 2011

General Motors has leaked one photo of the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu online. The photo gives us a glimpse of the new sedan ahead of its official debut at the Shanghai Motor Show this month.
When it’s unveiled, GM will broadcast the event online in high-definition video. GM says that it’s the first automaker to stream a vehicle unveiling in HD over the Internet. The broadcast will also be seen on the automaker’s social networking and media sites, and it will be viewable on iPad and iPhone personal mobile devices.
“We are expanding the reach beyond mainstream product introductions typically seen at auto shows. We are using the latest technologies available to us like no other automaker has done before to introduce this all-new, important car for Chevrolet on continents around the world,” said Russ Clark, product director at Chevrolet. “Broadcasting in HD will help us make sure the world gets a good look at the all-new Malibu.”
The Chevrolet Malibu is truly a global model, as it’s sold in nearly 100 countries. The next-generation is expected to be a major improvement, as it’s equipped with fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines, along with six-speed transmissions that also contribute to efficient performance.
Currently, the Malibu is one of Chevy’s best-selling products. In addition to racking up nearly 200,000 sales last year, the Malibu has also been bestowed with numerous awards including:

• Consumers Digest Automotive “Best Buy” award
• “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Named “Best For The Money” by U.S. News & World Report

To watch the unveiling of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, tune in at WatchTheNewChevyMalibuInHD.com on April 18 at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

Chevy Cruze and Fuel Efficiency Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

Chevy’s I4 Engines Are Good4 Fuel Efficiency

by Chevrolet in the News on April 19, 2011

The numbers don’t lie: In 2007, Chevrolet models with inline four-cylinder (I4) engines represented just 23 percent of the company’s sales. Through the start of 2011, that number had doubled, with 46 percent of Chevy buyers choosing a model with a high-efficiency I4 powerplant. And this trend is sure to continue if fuel prices continue to rise—but Chevrolet is well prepared for that eventuality said Rick Scheidt, the brand’s U.S. vice president.
According to Scheidt, “Chevrolet’s investment in advanced engine technology is reflected in the increased popularity of our four-cylinder models. These technologies offer the performance and refinement drivers expect from Chevy in smaller engines that deliver the fuel efficiency they want.”
Chevrolet advances are many, but three in particular stand out:

• Turbocharging—The all-new Chevrolet Cruze Eco leverages a turbocharged 1.4-liter I4 engine to deliver nearly the same power as the 2009 Chevy Cobalt, but with a smaller powerplant that gets 5 more highway mpg. The bottom line for the Cruze Eco: Best-in-class EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. In addition, the same engine will be available in the brand-new Chevrolet Sonic, slated to launch in the U.S. in the fall.

• Variable valve timing—Precisely adjusting the operation of engine valves to respond to driver demands, variable valve timing is used in four-cylinder Chevrolet engines like the 2.4-liter Ecotec mill that powers the Chey Malibu. The result is responsive power—170 hp and 160 lb.-ft. of torque—to go with an EPA line of up to 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. This technology also is found on a dozen Chevrolet models, including the Camaro, Volt, Cruze and Silverado.

• Direct injection—The direct-injection systems used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox spray fuel directly into the cylinder, delivering it more precisely than a traditional fuel-injection system. This boosts performance, reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency. In fact, the I4 engine in the Equinox makes a notable 182 hp and 172 lb.-ft. of torque, yet still achieves a better EPA highway rating than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Equinox attains marks of 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.

“The shift in consumer preference evidenced by Chevrolet’s lineup is a great example of how much four-cylinder engines have improved across the industry,” said Bill Visnic, analyst and senior editor for Edmunds AutoObserver.com. “Four cylinders used to be something to settle for. But advances in engine design and technology have made four-cylinder engines vastly more refined, and power output has increased to where V6 engines were just a few years ago.”

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Facebook and Onstar merge Together. Zeigler Chevrolet..

GM Is Shoving Facebook and Voice Texting Into Your OnStar-Equipped Car

GM's OnStar system has just taken a leap into connectivity, adding audio Facebook updates, voice texting, and apps that control your car from your phone. Suddenly, your most expensive gadget might be your car.

There are a few components to GM's announcement today, including next-generation hardware and an overhauled IT infastructure. But what really stand out are the inclusion of Audio Facebook and text-to-toice, along with a brand of phone apps that will be able to start your car and work your horn, lights and door locks remotely.
Here's how the former works: If you've got an incoming SMS and your phone is connected to OnStar via Bluetooth, the car will read that text back to you. Simple enough! You can also send a voice-activated response, but you'll only be able to choose from one of several pre-programmed responses. For example, say "I'm driving" and your car will send back a text about how you're busy driving at the moment. You can't dictate a text back yet, and it's possible you may never be able to because of safety concerns. Likewise, Audio Facebook can read back your news feed to you and will let you update your status with an audio recording. Texting is in beta, Audio Facebook in early tests.
The family of phone apps, known as MyLink, will hit Android first, with iPhone not far behind. It'll hit Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, and has already been shown off in the Chevy Volt.

One of the more surprising aspects of today's announcements is that GM is opening up their OnStar voice API to developers. The idea of open-source apps for a car might be a little intimidating—especially given worries about a system like OnStar's potential vulnerabilities—but nothing would ever reach your vehicle without being strictly vetted by GM.

It does speak to the larger question, though: is your car a gadget? And should it be? As more and more "infotainment" populates our cabins, it causes more and more distraction. Which in turn causes more accidents. It's clearly a line that GM is extremely cautious about, ensuring OnStar avoids features—like text dictation—that are potentially dangerously distracting. Let's hope they stay that way.

OnStar Relaunches Its Brand with Focus on
"Responsible Connectivity"
• New telematics computing platform includes social media/voice-texting capability and potential for open development
• New OnStar MyLink sub-brand for smart phone applications for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC
• Ninth-generation hardware improves navigation and user features
• New services extend OnStar's safety leadership
• All new marketing campaign and business strategy
(New York) Sept. 15, 2010 - OnStar launched new services, capabilities and technology for its nearly six million subscribers as part of a top-to-bottom realignment of the company's long-term strategy built around ‘responsible connectivity'.
OnStar plans to pilot major innovations that significantly increase drivers' in-car connection to the world, while extending its safety leadership in the automotive industry.
"These initiatives are all about OnStar's role in keeping drivers and passengers connected and safe," said OnStar President Chris Preuss. "Building on the rock-solid foundation of OnStar's safety and security platform, we were given a clear directive to develop OnStar as one of the chief pillars in defining General Motors' business going forward."
"With the extremely high awareness and respect for the OnStar brand, we've created a long-term vision that includes new in-vehicle hardware, an all-new IT infrastructure and a host of new partnerships and services that provide the basis for growth," Preuss continued.
Simultaneous events were held in New York, Austin, San Francisco and Miami to relaunch the OnStar brand.
New Technology Testing
OnStar subscribers and technology insiders got a first look at OnStar's new technologies that are enabled through the ninth generation hardware:
• Audio Facebook Updates: OnStar showcased in-car social media interactions that are being tested. If implemented, Audio Facebook Updates would allow OnStar subscribers to verbally update their Facebook status message through audio recordings and/or listen to their most recent news feed messages through the OnStar Virtual Advisor service.
• Voice Texting: OnStar revealed beta tests for voice-based SMS (short message service). This feature would enable customers to have their text messages read to them using Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth technology allows users to connect their mobile device to their vehicle and receive automated text messages. With one button press, on the steering wheel, users can reply to a text by verbally selecting a preset response.
OnStar MyLink
OnStar announced the OnStar MyLink sub-brand for mobile phone applications. Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac mobile apps powered by OnStar will allow owners to remotely activate all functions available on a traditional key fob, including remote start, horn and lights and door locks and unlocks securely from select smartphones. Versions have already been shown for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range capability and the all-new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.
Redesigned IT Infrastructure
OnStar revealed its Advanced Telematics Operations Management System (ATOMS) computing platform, one of the most powerful and comprehensive machine-to-machine telematics systems in the world. ATOMS allows for advanced geo-boxing and voice-texting engines, including Audio Facebook Updates. OnStar services are rigorously tested to ensure they are consistent with GM's safe driver principles and help reduce distracted driving.
OnStar Developers Challenge
The OnStar Developers Challenge invites students from leading universities, to design the next voice-based technology that will keep drivers safely connected when they are on the road. The audio-focused Application Programming Interface (API) competition for select universities will allow Engineering, Interaction Design and Human Computer Interaction students to submit original and compelling voice-enabled applications. The OnStar Developers Challenge website, www.onstardeveloperchallenge.com, launched today.
9th Generation of Hardware
OnStar also unveiled its ninth generation hardware that improves the user experience with new natural voice recognition, Bluetooth phonebook, improved navigation, the ability to work with advanced traffic management and severe weather alert services, also known as geo-boxed notification services.
Furthering Its Safety Leadership
Additionally OnStar continues to enhance its core safety focus:
• In coordination with the GM Foundation, OnStar is providing a grant of $500,000 to the International Center for Automotive Medicine (http://automotivemedicine.org) at the University of Michigan Health System for research related to the prediction of injury severity level after a crash. This grant, along with three years of actual OnStar crash data, will enable OnStar and the University of Michigan Health System to link crash data to actual physical injuries sustained in vehicle crashes. The revolutionary research, conducted over approximately 18 months, will look at 1,000 incidents and ultimately will allow OnStar to predict not only the severity of a crash, but assist emergency care providers by providing the probability of certain types of injuries sustained by crash victims.
OnStar, in coordination with the GM Foundation, also is providing $100,000 to the CDC Foundation to allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to convene an expert panel to develop a multi-site study design in various states. The study's purpose will be to assess the correlation of real-time injury predictions sent directly from crash data with actual injury severity. The study will set the stage for broad collaborative research directed at optimizing the potential for automatic crash notification technologies to save lives.
• OnStar unveiled First Assist, an enhancement of its existing emergency services. The First Assist service allows certified Emergency Advisors to obtain critical information and provide important instructions to subscribers until first responders arrive. Emergency situations can include the aftermath of a car crash or the birth of a child. After determining the nature of the situation, Advisors can provide rapid guidance, which may result in potentially lifesaving actions. OnStar Advisors providing this service are specially trained and certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch™ (NAED) using the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) protocol. This service, available at no additional cost to active OnStar subscribers, will complement the efforts of public safety professionals.
A New Marketing Campaign
OnStar revealed a new marketing campaign that aligns with its new business strategy.
"The new campaign retains all of the core strengths of safety and security that OnStar is known for, but also adds the idea of ‘powerfully simple connectivity,'" said OnStar Chief Marketing Officer Sam Mancuso. " The creative showcases how we provide our customers connectivity to all the things that matter most to them, like family, friends, social media tools and our OnStar Advisors."
The campaign, created by OnStar's ad agency Campbell-Ewald, will focus on the theme "Live On"– Safely connecting you in ways you never thought possible." Print, broadcast and online executions of the campaign launch Monday, Sept. 20.
OnStar's new business strategy is built around a highly successful subscription model and leaves open the possibility for expansion beyond the automotive industry.
"One aspect of our business that will never change is our live Advisors who are just a simple button press away," said Preuss. "They are what set us apart, and they'll continue to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
For more information on OnStar's innovation, the company's recently launched marketing campaign and photos from the events, visit: http://media.gm.com/product/public/us/en/onstar/news.html

Chevy Volt 1613 MPG????? ZEIGLER CHEVROLET SCHAUMBURG

Special Chevy Volt Fuel Tank Puts New Spin On Saving Gas

by Chevrolet in the News on April 11, 2011

It’s ironic: Even though the all-new Chevrolet Volt can routinely go weeks—and longer—without a visit to the gas station, the company’s engineers had to put significant effort into designing the car’s fuel tank. The issue: Because the Volt uses so little gasoline, steps had to be taken to ensure the fuel won’t evaporate during the long periods it’s not needed to power the vehicle.
This isn’t a concern in traditional vehicles, both because they are constantly running their engines and because they feature charcoal canister systems that trap fuel vapor and route it back to the engine. But that latter approach won’t work with the Volt, as it can go so long between engine start-ups that the vapor could reach dangerous levels. The solution: A specially designed, sealed fuel tank for the Volt, developed in conjunction with Spectra Premium Inc.
Instead of the plastic tanks found in other vehicles, the Volt’s fuel tank is made from tin-zinc-coated steel that resists corrosion from both inside and outside, backed by a mechanical pressure-relief valve that can act as a fail-safe in the unlikely occasion it’s needed.
Of course, even then it’s still important for the Volt’s operation that the gasoline is used up occasionally and replenished. Thus, the Volt also features a “maintenance mode” that comes into play if its engine hasn’t been started in six weeks. First, the system will alert the driver that the engine needs to run for maintenance purposes, including to make sure its components are properly lubricated. Then, the driver can either enable the engine to run or defer maintenance for up to 24 hours, after which the engine will turn on itself. In addition, if a driver goes a full year without filling up, the system will come on until the engine uses all the old gas or the driver adds fresh fuel.
The bottom line, according to Jon Stec, fuel system integration engineer for the Volt: “For the driver who starts the year with a full tank of 9.3 gallons and runs 15,000 miles on electricity, the maintenance mode will use just enough gas to average a very respectable 1,613 miles per gallon.”

Are you Ready for the Chevy Volt!!!! Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg

GM Prepares For Many More Chevy Volt Sales By May

by Chevrolet in the News on March 8, 2011

General Motors expects sales of the Chevrolet Volt to rise significantly in the month of May. The automaker also plans for at least 10,000 deliveries in 2011.
Already the Volt has been outselling the all-new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, but sales of both models have been relatively low. However, demand is high and the automaker will reportedly ramp up production soon.
According to GM spokesperson Rob Peterson:

The Volt production launch is on schedule to build and sell every one of our 10,000 units this year. Through February, we produced over 1,800 vehicles – 925 of which have been sold at retail. Production volume will gradually increase each month throughout the year. However, over the next few months we will be shipping Volt dealer demo vehicles and vehicles to our coastal launch markets which takes longer than delivering them to nearby states. This situation should be resolved by May, after which the number of Volt’s sold will rise.
There is no demand issue; ask any dealer in a launch market. This is a temporary situation. The Volt launch is on time and on target.

Although GM denies any supply and demand issues, the question still remains whether the Volt production rumors are true. If so, GM might shoot to build more than double the amount of Volts it currently has planned.

To pre-order a Chevy Volt click the link and pre order yours today Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg .

Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg Truck month.

Chevy Small-Business Sales On A Big-Time Roll

by Chevrolet in the News on March 3, 2011

While recent increases in retail auto sales show the U.S. economy is getting back on track, purchases by another group of customers—small-business owners—are making news as well.
“Small businesses put off capital expenditures such as vehicle purchases in order to weather the economic storm,” said Don Johnson, GM vice president, U.S. Sales Operations. “But with the continuing improvement in consumer spending, and improving profitability of these businesses, we’re beginning to see a significant influx of small business buyers to Chevrolet showrooms.”
In fact, Chevy sales to small businesses, defined as those that buy five or fewer vehicles per year, were up 36 percent in the last quarter of 2010, a rate almost three times greater than that for the rest of the industry. These are customers like Mark Dalessi, owner of Sunwest Air Conditioning in Costa Mesa, Calif.
“We have nine trucks in our fleet, some with a lot of miles,” he said. “In the beginning of 2009, we were just happy to have any work. But business started picking up towards the end of 2009, and 2010 turned out to be a decent year. As 2011 is shaping up to be a good year for us, we decided it was time to replace our oldest trucks.”
That meant purchasing new Chevrolet Silverado pickups, the kind of hard workers that really live up to Dalessi’s expectations: “We buy our fleet vehicles expecting to drive them until they die, and we have never had any issues with our Chevy trucks.”
And with optimism among small-business owners continuing to grow, you can expect Chevy sales to these customers to do the same.

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Chevy Volt Blog Zeigler Chevrolet Schaumburg.

Helping First Responders Respond To The Chevy Volt

by Chevrolet in the News on March 4, 2011

The all-new, award-winning Chevrolet Volt is revolutionizing the auto industry with its ability to deliver up to 35 miles of all-electric, emissions-free driving, followed by an additional 340+ miles of anxiety-free, no-worries cruising after its batteries are depleted. But in addition to the Volt’s unique driving capabilities, it can also present some unique challenges to the country’s first responders in case of an emergency.
With this in mind, Chevrolet, OnStar and the National Firefighters Prevention Association teamed up to present electric-vehicle first-response training sessions in a number of key Volt launch markets—including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas—before finishing up recently in Detroit in January.
“Our goal with this program is to help public safety personnel become as comfortable working around electric vehicles as they are with conventional vehicles today,” said Gay Kent, GM director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness.
All told, some 2,000 fire and emergency service personnel went through the advanced training, which leveraged web-based training materials, videos and other Chevrolet/Onstar resources. Training topics included:

• Power shut-off procedures
• Lithium-ion battery details
• Locations of high-strength steel
• Proper cut points for passenger extrication

Notably, the program also provided the opportunity for attendees to get hands-on experience with the Volt as well.
“First responders have a long history of successfully adapting their response to new vehicles and equipment in order to protect the public, as well as themselves.” said Jim Shannon, NFPA president. “We’re proud of our role in supporting the emergency services and look forward to expanding the reach of this training program to communities across America.”

New Camaro to Pace Indy Zeigler Chevy Schaumburg

Chevy Camaro SS Convertible Ready To Set The Pace At Indy

by Chevrolet in the News on March 2, 2011

It’s a natural fit: With both Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500 marking their 100th anniversaries this year, the two will celebrate together come Memorial Day when a 2011 Camaro SS Convertible paces this year’s running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. This will be the 22nd time a Chevy has paced the race, and the seventh occasion that a Camaro has done the honors.
Not coincidentally, that first Camaro pace car, from 1969, was the inspiration behind this year’s model, which wears the same livery as that classic 1960s hot rod. That means a glistening Summit White exterior with eye-popping orange stripes, door graphics and leather trim, as well as white door panels and orange and white interior accents. Further, in addition to the pace car proper, Chevrolet also is building a limited run of 50 Festival Committee vehicles sharing the same basic specs. All will be SS convertible models, packing equipment like:

• 400 horses worth of V8 power
• A choice of a slick-shiftting six-speed automatic or short-throw six-speed manual transmission
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers and hydraulic assist
• GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control
• Competitive/sport driving mode to enhance on-track performance
• Performance Launch Control (with the manual transmission) to optimize hard-acceleration launches for quicker, more consistent performance
• Twenty-inch polished aluminum wheels and performance tires
• Head-up instrument display
• Center console with auxiliary gauge package
• RS package content including HID headlamps and unique tail lamps

And remember, all those goodies come in a drop-top package that has been specifically designed to maintain the rigid structure of the coupe. To achieve this, Chevy engineers reinforced the convertibles with a tower-to-tower under-hood brace, transmission support reinforcement brace, underbody tunnel brace, and front and rear underbody braces. The result is a car that provides the pavement-pounding performance you expect from the Camaro SS with an easy-to-use power-folding top for the ultimate in wind-in-your-face driving.
Also notable: Even though the race won’t occur until the end of May, there’s already a clear winner here. The first Festival Committee vehicle was sold at the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds going to the David Foster Foundation, a charity that supports families with children who need organ transplants.
“It’s an honor for Chevrolet to pace the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, especially during this landmark year,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “This is also a great opportunity for us to build on Camaro’s strong momentum, while supporting an important charity.”

For more information about the New Camaro please visit Zeigler Chevy at http://www.z-chevy.com/ or call us at 847-882-2200.