Chevrolet Revealed The All-New 2016 Chevy Cruze

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - Last night in Downtown Detroit at the Fillmore, Chevrolet revealed the all-new 2016 Chevy Cruze to the delight of press, auto-insiders, writers and car-buyers. The all-new Cruze is more fuel efficient, lighter and longer, all things that buyers felt needed to be upgraded when Chevy initially started the new remodel. Currently, the Cruze is Chevrolet's best selling vehicle so it's exciting to see what new features and updates GM has in store for 2016.

John Cafaro, the Executive Director of Chevrolet Design, explained that Chevy wanted to keep a common styling theme that began with the new Impala, extended through the 2016 Malibu and now the Cruze. The new 2016 Cruze blends conservative and luxury designs perfectly together to create a vehicle that should run away with its segment, especially since the Cruze is such a globally popular model.

Chevrolet revealed the all-new 2016 Chevy Cruze, which takes giant leaps in the safety feature technology. There are 10 air bags, a side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert and forward collision alert. Within the updated and stylish interior, there is a completely redesigned 7-inch infotainment display that will showcase Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All these added technology and safety features are what make the new Cruze relevant once again, as Stephanie Brinley– an industry anaylist with IHS Auotmotive– states, "They've (Chevy) been pretty conservative in this segment for some time, but that has served them well in the market. What it needs to be is fashionable and help Chevrolet get more loyalty and bring new people into the brand."

We feel that brand loyalty will not be a problem once drivers and buyers realize how perfect the all new 2016 Chevy Cruze is for them! We won't get the new Cruze here at Graff Mt. Pleasant until the spring of 2016, but you can bet we will have all the information so when it does get here you'll be well informed! If you would like to take a look at any of our new or used Chevy models, call us to schedule a test drive! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Chevy Has Gone Emoji

MT.PLEASANT, Mich. - General Motors and Chevrolet are wanting to appeal more to the younger generation of buyers, and what better way to do that than release a press release in the fun, pictographic language of today's youth? Yep, that's right, you may have heard that recently Chevy has gone emoji. Take a look and see if YOU can decode it!

Promoting the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, GM wanted to capture the attention of pop-culture, thus composing an entire press release using only pictures– no words– that included its very own "bow tie" logo emoji. Since the press release was released on Monday, it has since been decoded and Craig Daitch, Chevy's senior manager for social media stated, "Because emoji is international in its adoption, we wanted to have fun and be irreverent with our audience. The release is the first piece of a week-long narrative featuring emoji."

That week-long feature also includes a YouTube.com series titled "Emoji Academy", which is a short web-series that features Norm Macdonald being helped by Ashley Benson, Jamie Chung and Zandaya to learn to find his inner "emoji". Check out the third part of the web-series down below!

 

Chevy has gone emoji recently, and if you're dying to decipher the emoji-code, Chevrolet released it on Tuesday... 

Translation: 

"The all-new 2016 Cruze blends innovative technology, striking design and impressive efficiency into one sporty ride. It's the best new thing since sliced bread for stylish and socially connected people. A Chevrolet spokesperson said: "We had the idea that the new Cruze could change the world."

Design: Athletic build, stylish and good looking

Technology: 7 connected devices with available 4G LTE Wi-Fi. Cool! First in its class to offer compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth compatible. Touch screen. Speakers/music.

Seating: Seats 5

Fuel efficiency: The 2015 Cruze offers an EPA-estimated 35 mpg hwy. The 2016 Cruze is expected to offer better fuel economy, which is awesome. Look at how much time will pass before you need to fill up your tank again!

Safety: 10 air bags. Comes with OnStar standard for 6 months.

Available: Soon! Coming in Spring 2016.

Available: Globally

In conclusion, get ready to go places in your Cruze. It has the technology and fuel efficiency you need wrapped up in a fun ride. Prepare to fall in love."

Pretty simple right? It is so exciting to see General Motors and Chevrolet be so creative and innovative in their marketing strategies! If you would like to stop and see all of our available Chevy models, check us out! We would love to chat about all things Chevy, maybe we can even talk in Emoji? Maybe not so fast, we'll just use regular words... FOR NOW! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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A Prototype For A Newly Updated Buick Encore Has Been Spotted Testing

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - The Buick Encore made a splash in the auto-market pool when it launched in early 2013. It arrived just in time to take advantage of the auto buyer's surge of demand for a smaller, more subcompact SUV. In 2014, Buick sold 138,218 Encores globally, which was an insane 42 percent rise on sales numbers from the year prior, and THIS year is shaping up to be even more profitable for Buick.

Even though the Buick Encore has been seeing success ever since it was launched, that doesn't mean that the Encore shouldn't stay fresh and always be tweaking things to make sure it stays on top of its game! A prototype for a newly updated Buick Encore has been spotted testing in Europe, where GM operates its European arm, Opel. Don't worry, we're seeing only minor changes for the 2017 Encore as this is considered a mid-cycle update.

These new updates, due to the camouflage gear on the prototype, suggest a few updates and tweaks to the headlights, new bumpers and possibly a new grille. Motorauthority.com expects that the 2017 Encore will make its way to dealership lots next year, and we hope they are right! Even though it is not entirely clear what power-trains will be offered with the 2017 Buick Encore, we could definitely see the vehicle adopt GM's latest EcoTec range of engines. These engines could also appear in the next-generation Buick Verano.

Whatever the power-train, we are so happy that a prototype for a newly updated Buick Encore has been spotted testing because it's one of our favorite models here at Graff GM in Mt. Pleasant! Feel free to stop by and test drive any of our new or used Buick models, or even take a look at our current Encore models! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Recycled Volt Batteries Help Power GM's New IT Building

MT.PLEASANT, Mich. - General Motors has always been on the cusp of retooling and repurposing their products. Recently Chevy and GM released news that recycled Volt batteries help power GM's new IT building at its Milford Proving Ground in Milford, Mich. Since the Volt usually draws its power from a band of energy in the battery pack itself, there is a TON of leftover juice for stationary usage.

Currently, five Volt batteries are housed in the administration building's circuit breaker panel, where solar energy and two wind turbines feed the power which supplies the entire IT building. In the past, recycled Volt battery covers have been used in multiple ways, including material for bat houses to nesting boxes for endangered duck species. Chevrolet is now moving forward and is tapping the energy left in the first-generation batteries.

The first-generation recycled Volt batteries help power GM's new IT building, and this secondary use application is proving to be an area where GM is thriving. Pablo Valencia, senior manager of Battery Life Cycle Management states, "Even after the battery has reached the end of its useful life in a Chevrolet Volt, up to 80 percent of its storage capacity remains." You read that right: 80 percent! The reuse of these Volt batteries has also helped the data center in Milford attain a LEED Gold certification from the U.S Green Building Council.

The energy pulled from the used Volt batteries, paired with a 74-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array and two 2kW wind-turbines, produces approximately 100Mwh of energy annually,which is enough to power 12 average households. It's no surprise that GM and Chevy are leading the way when it comes to energery conservation, and we are excited to see what they have in store for us next! If you're interested in talking about more ways Chevy is staying innovative, stop by and see us! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Chevrolet Is Throwing Its Hat Into The Self-Driving Concept Car Game

MT.PLEASANT, Mich. – Chevrolet is throwing its hat into the self-driving concept car game! Recently, a sharp-edged self-driving vehicle was developed at General Motors' Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center joint venture in Shanghai. 

The vehicle itself looks liking something out of a science fiction movie, and was revealed ahead of the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai this past spring. The low-slinging body and bubble-like windshield are packed with sensors and roof-mounted radar that can read the three dimensional mapping that allows cars to navigate through traffic and steer clear of various objects. Hubless motors fit into the wheels, while dragonfly doors define the smooth side of the vehicle. 

The concept vehicle comes with a ton of cool features, including the Chevy Intelligent Assistant, which enables the owner to start the vehicle through recognition of the iris in his or her eye. See? Strait out of a science fiction film! In self-pricing mode, the vehicle's front seats can swivel 180-degrees to face the rear seats, which creates a more intimate setting. The driver can switch back into manual mode through the gesture control feature.

Chevrolet is throwing its hat into the self-driving concept car game, but GM has not revealed how far the self-driving concept car is from full-scale production. However, GM is showing that the auto company is paying attention to what is quickly becoming the industry's assumed next frontier. It's so exciting to represent a company that is always on the cusp of integrating new technology into the public domain! For more information on ANY of Chevrolet's models, feel free to stop by and pay us a visit! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Cadillac The Second Brand To Confirm The Integration Of Apple CarPlay And Android Auto

MT.PLEASANT, Mich. – General Motors has announced that Cadillac is the latest car brand planning to integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into new models. Certain models of the carmaker's 2016 lineup will begin including the systems in the next few weeks. Cadillac has other infotainment upgrades planned as well.

We have blogged about the all-new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems in the past, with Cadillac being the second brand to confirm the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto after Chevrolet. Plan on seeing them roll out in Cadillac models equipped with CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. All 2016 models equipped with the CUE system will be outfitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto except for the SRX, which is currently in limbo pending the launch of an all-new 2016 version.

Aside from the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Cadillac also has plans to update CUE for the upcoming 2016 model year, which includes a faster processor. This processor will enable faster setup, voice recognition, navigation searches and media playing. The navigation component will also get an upgrade with redesigned map screens and a simplified command structure, including one-touch controls.

Chevrolet was the first General Motors brand to announce their plans to integrate this new technology into their system, which makes Cadillac the second brand to confirm the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! We can only hope that ALL of General Motors' models will integrate this exciting communications and infotainment system! If you would like to learn more about Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, check out this blog post about the new system! If you would like to schedule a test-drive for any of our amazing GM vehicles, feel free to give us a call or stop by! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Summer Car Care Tips

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.– To say winters here in Michigan are hard on our vehicles is an intense understatement. What many Michiganders don't know is that summer can be JUST AS TOUGH on your vehicle as winter. Intense heat can destroy batteries, and put stress on the tires and cooling system. Thanks to the lowest summer gas prices since 2009, many Americans will be hitting the road this summer for vacation. By making sure your vehicle is running smoothly you can avoid breakdowns or car problems that will definitely put a thorn in your summer plans. To insure a safe trip you may want to check out these summer car care tips:

• The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is cooling system failure. The cooling system should be completely flushed out and refilled every two years. Be sure that you understand the level, condition and concentration of the coolant should also be checked periodically, especially when it first starts to warm up after the long winter. 

• Your brakes have been working hard all winter, make sure they're okay! Your brakes have kept you from sliding off the road since January, so make sure they are up to par before you head out this summer. If you notice pulsations, grabbing noises or longer stopping distances, bring your vehicle to a certified technician ASAP. 

• Maintain and check up on your air conditioning. Nothing, and we mean NOTHING, is worse than the air conditioning going out in the middle of the summer. Driving around in a car when it's 80+ degrees out is hard enough on your vehicle. Take out the air conditioning and good luck trying to go anywhere fast. Even a marginally operating system will fail in the hot weather, so have your air conditioning checked out by a qualified technician. 

• Check your windshield wipers. Your windshield wipers have been working overtime since January. A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can also pose a safety hazard. Replace worn windshield wiper blades and have plenty of windshield wiper fluid handy. 

• Heat zaps life away from your battery.  Many car owners believe that battery problems only occur in the winter, which could not be further from the truth. Heat and vibration are the two WORST things for a car battery, and ultimately lead to engine failure. If your car's battery is more than three years old, have it checked by a certified technician before heading out on the road. 

By making sure you vehicle is good to hit the road, you can avoid any awkward waiting-on-the-side-of-the-road-for-a-tow-truck events. If you would like to schedule a service appointment with any of our certified technicians, feel free! We would love to check out your car to make sure it's safe and ready to hit the open road. Schedule an appointment online today! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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Chevy Will Bring The 2016 Sixth-Gen Camaro To Lansing

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - General Motors announced last week that Chevy will bring the 2016 sixth-gen Camaro to Lansing, Michigan, to be built in Michigan's capital city. Chevrolet will hire back 500 second shift jobs at the plant to help build the new muscle car.

The 2016 Chevy Camaro will end its summer promo tour at the Los Angeles Auto Show before coming home to Lansing to begin production in November. It will be available to buyers near the end of the 2015 fourth quarter, and consumers are counting down the days till they can get their hands on Chevy's new muscle car.

Currently, the fifth-gen Camaro is being built across the border in an Ontario plant. While GM is excited the new Camaro will be built in Lansing, they are also investing over $170 million into Lansing's facility for new equipment that includes new paint systems to accommodate new Camaro-only colors: Summit White, Bright Yellow and Red Hot. Currently, General Motors also builds the Cadillac ATS and CTS models at the Lansing Plant.

The mayor of Lansing, Mayor Virg Bernero, stated, "Gearing up for full-scale production of the legendary Chevy Camaro is a new high point in the more than two decades of extraordinary partnership between the City of Lansing, General Motors and the UAW." This investment into the Lansing plant is just a small part of the current $2.8 billion investment that General Motors is putting into a multitude of its facilities across the country. These include a $439 million investment at the Corvette plant in Kentucky and a $1.2 billion investment at its truck facility in Indiana.

The all-new sixth-generation Camaro was revealed in Detroit last month, and since then has been going toe-to-toe against the 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang and the Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Chevy will bring the 2016 sixth-gen Camaro to Lansing in the fall and you can bet that Hank Graff of Mt. Pleasant will have the best inventory around! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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