Groupe PSA and GMC Teaming up to Launch Car-Sharing Service in the US

MT. PLEASANT, Mich-- Free2Move, a car and bike sharing app owned by Groupe PSA is set to launch in Washington DC this month. The app, which has already launched in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon allows users to compare car sharing services and choose which works best for them in that moment. It's a multi-provider registration process, so personal info only needs to be uploaded to Free2Move, and then you can order from any other transportation app without having to go through a second vetting process. You can hail public transit, a car, bike or scooter share, and much more! 

The Free2Move platform is in use across Europe, but PSA is targeting the US to boost the app's success. There are also whispers of a larger agenda behind the launch. While PSA is the second largest automaker in Europe, their vehicles have not been sold in the US for at least 20 years and various industry leaders suspect this is an attempt to wiggle back into the American market.   

In preparation for their Washington DC launch, PSA teamed up with GMC to acquire a fleet of 600 leased Chevrolet Equinox crossovers and Chevrolet Cruze models. Though this is not the first transaction between PSA and GM this year, in early August, the two corporations closed on a deal that relinquished the former GM company Opel/Vauxhall into PSA's hands. GM stated that the sale was a step in a major overhaul for their brand, in addition to a money saving effort, as GMC sales in Europe have been on a steady decline. This partnership has come as surprise to many, including Opel's leadership, but so far the results have seemed to benefit both parties. 

What do you think of the new Free2Move platform? Is it an app you would download? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! 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.

Summer in Michigan: Four Ways to Make it Memorable

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Summer has arrived here in Michigan and that changes things quite a bit. People are not sticking around their home, cities, or towns. They are going elsewhere near the water in order to enjoy the summer weather while we have it. Those who are fans of the lakes around the state are in luck for what summer brings. You can go to the beaches and enjoy the sunshine. Maybe, you play some beach volleyball. You could be interested in going swimming too. With all the summer fun available in Michigan, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy while you take advantage of the beauty that is out there. To determine which activities could be best for you to involve yourself in this summer, it could be helpful to take a look at all of the opportunities presented out in the sunshine:

1.) Taking A Road Trip Up North:

The first part of your trip is likely jumping in the car. No matter where your trip is, it may involve a bit of driving, whether that is 30 minutes somewhere or a few hours. You could be heading out to Ludington or Grand Haven. Maybe, you are heading straight up to Traverse City or Charlevoix. You might have decided to go somewhere new as opposed to where you normally go. As you head up north or wherever your destination is, having an awesome car makes it all the better. Many great Chevy models exist that can pull your trailer for a boat or be reliable for good gas mileage. Part of your trip is getting there. It’s about the memories you make along the way. Sometimes, those are the memories you cherish the most.

2.) Jump on a Boat

With summer in session and lots of sunshine, there might be no better choice than jumping on a boat. A boat allows you to see all the beauty of summer. You can go places on your boat and check out different islands or connect your boat to another boat. You could be driving down to Lake Erie. You might be heading over to Lake Huron. Perhaps, the UP is your destination and Lake Superior is your choice. Tubing or water skiing could be your choice of hobby. You might even decide to spend a night overnight on the water as you enjoy a beautiful sunset. Another time on your boat may involve going fishing or swimming. There’s no better time to spend your summer than on the water in one of your boats.

3.) Going Fishing

When you find yourself up north, there are bodies of water everywhere. There is no shortage of things to do when out on the boat. Your reason for going could be to toss your rods on the boat and just relax while you are seeking to catch some fish. You might be doing so in order to find food for dinner. Otherwise, it may be for the pure sport of it all. Many fishermen just enjoy being out there and seeing what kind of fish they can catch or how many fish they could end up getting. It is a great thing to do when you are looking for something different. Some fishing might just involve a dock and a rod. Other types of fishing may have you out in the water yourself. Explore some of the different options of the sport.

4.) Playing Sports

With it being warm out, there is no better time than to play some great sports. You could be out with a glove, ball, and bat playing baseball. Alternatively, you might want to get your basketball out and hit the court. For the summer, it might be great to play a game of soccer with your friends. This could make things a great deal more fun for you. You may choose football instead, if that is what the majority of the group wants to play, it may be more fun to go down that direction. Regardless, the most fun thing is being outside and enjoying the basic nature around you. The sounds and sights could make it all the more beneficial to everything you are involved in. A simple hike may be what you are most up for.

Throughout the summer, there is no shortage of things to do. With it being warm out, it’s the perfect time to buy a new car. With many options out there, you will not find any place better than Graff Mt. Pleasant. We can find you a great vehicle that will make you feel cool as you drive down the road in the summer heat. By the time you get home, you will have felt you spent the day well.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! 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.

National Pet Month: 5 Travel Tips for Dog Owners

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- For many people, dogs are members of the family. As such, they'll get to tag along on all of the fun family vacations you have planned this summer! Though sometimes, our furry friends can get just a little too excited about all the awesome adventures they'll be going on with you, or they may get a little freaked out by being inside of a moving vehicle. Regardless of the issue, there's always a solution.

Ringing in National Pet Month, Graff Mt. Pleasant is here with 5 travel tips for dog owners.

1. BURN EXCESS ENERGY

The most important thing you can do before piling your pooch in the car with the rest of the kids is to give him a good dose of physical activity to burn off energy prior to getting on the road. Playing a couple rounds of fetch will make your dog more inclined to rest, thus making the journey a lot smoother and more relaxing for everyone. You can repeat this process over the course of your trip when making a rest stop. Just hook up the leash and do a couple laps in a safe and open area.

2. FOOD AND WATER

Unexpected delays are a part of traveling, which is why you should always be prepared with extra food and water if you've brought your dog along. There are tons of food and water containers for dogs that are specifically designed for travel, and can thus be packed away and transported easily.

3. BE VIGILANT

Even if your dog is highly car-trained, it's always a good idea to take precautions just in case. For instance, it's a fact that dogs love open windows. However, there's always the risk that their super-sensitive noses will pick up a particularly interesting smell, and they'll jump right out of the car. Be aware of your dog's size and crack the window accordingly.

In addition to sensitive smell sense, dogs also have a crazy sense of hearing well-above human levels. That being said, unfamiliar sounds can cause them to retreat to their main source of comfort: you. Which can be very dangerous if you're driving. If you don't feel comfortable crating your dog up for the drive, invest in a "dog hammock" for your back seat. These not only prevent them from falling to the floor should you have to make a hard stop, but also make it harder for them to hop up front and cause a distraction.

4. START THEM YOUNG

The best way to get a dog used to anything is to start when they're a puppy, and that includes traveling. Car-training can even be accomplished with simple trips like running errands. This is also a good time to establish rules and boundaries to keep both you and your pup safe on your adventures.

5. KEEP THE ENERGY POSITIVE

Dogs operate primarily on instinct and thus are highly affected by body language, vocal tones, and emotional vibes. On top of that, as the leader of their pack, they look to you for direction. If you make it seem like something is wrong, your dog will become anxious. That's why it's important to keep the energy positive when traveling with them. Give them frequent notes of affirmation like "You're doing such a great job!" or "That's my good boy/girl!" being sure to use a positive but not excited tone of voice. This will help keep them calm on long drives and prevent any stress that may cause them to put you or themselves in danger.

In honor of National Pet Month and preparation for driving season, those were 5 travel tips for dog owners. Graff Mt. Pleasant wishes you and your pooch safe, healthy, and most importantly fun adventures this summer! Before you hit the road, ensure that your car is running at its best by scheduling a service appointment with us! If you schedule online, you'll receive 10% off no matter what kind of service you need! Happy trails!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! 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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Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Michigan winters can be quite perilous and create dangerous roads for drivers of all experience levels. While there's no real way to avoid driving until springtime, you can follow a few rules and suggestions to keep yourself out of harm's way on the road. So read our winter driving tips to keep you safe this year!

Clean Off Your Vehicle

Before you even start driving, it is extremely important to clean all the snow and ice off of your vehicle's windshield, windows, headlights, and brake lights. Clear visibility while driving is crucial to your safety while driving out on winter roads and to the safety of other drivers. We can't tell you how often we see somebody trying to drive to work in the morning while looking through a tiny little hole they cleared in the ice on their windshield. Simply put, that is not safe, and you should never do it. Take the time to clear off your windshield and other windows.

Drive Slowly

May seem like a no-brainer, but driving slow is the number one way to stay safe on the roads this winter. It allows you to have more time to brake, react to other vehicles, and will lessen the impact of any uncontrolled steering.

Give More Space Between Vehicles 

This tip is under the same category as driving slower, but it is uniquely important all the same. Allowing for double or even triple the amount of distance you would normally give between you and the vehicle in front of you is important on snowy roads. In fact, the recommended that the normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds in snowy conditions. The added space allows you more time to react to their movements and stop if need be.

Don't Brake Abruptly

Putting your foot down hard on the brake pedal is not a wise choice this winter. Instead, if you need to stop, slowly apply the brake. This way your wheels will slow their rotation in a controlled manner before coming to a complete stop. A hard stop will make your tires lose their grip on the road and slip.

No Sharp Turns

Make slow, wide, and deliberate turns on poor road conditions to maintain control of your vehicle. Sharp or fast turns through intersections or elsewhere can cause your vehicle to fishtail, swinging the back of the car out of control.

Do Not Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is normally a helpful tool, but it can be extremely dangerous to use during winter. Let's say you're driving on the highway or just a normal road with cruise control activated. If your vehicle slides on some ice, slush, or snow and your wheels may be facing a different direction. The cruise control will then keep you acceleration on your new, accidental path potentially hurdling you into off the road, into a ditch, or maybe even into oncoming traffic.

Winter Car Care

The best way to ensure your vehicle is up to the task of winter driving is by completing our Winter Car Care maintenance routine. During freezing temps your vehicle's internal components can become compromised, crack, break, or become disabled. It's also important to get your vehicle's battery, tire pressure and tread, heating, and other components before the winter fully sets in.

Watch the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather channel or other meteorology services for what is headed your way. If possible, it is always advisable to avoid driving during snowstorms or in other poor road conditions.

Practice in a Parking Lot

The best way to become comfortable and skilled at winter driver is to practice. Find an empty parking lot with some snow and ice that you can practice turns, braking, and more so that you're prepared for anything out on the road.

Stay safe this winter by following our driving tips to let your vehicle handle best on the snow and ice while avoiding any accidents. If you're worried about you and your passenger's well being out on the road, in general, we recommend reading up on Chevrolet's new advanced safety features available on most new 2018 Chevy models. Features like the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist Technology, Forward Safety Awareness, and more can help make driving a much safer and more relaxing endeavor.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! 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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