And it just keeps getting better!! I’ve talked about the new models that GM has come out with like the Sonic, Volt, and Buick’s Verano. What about the mainstays such as the Chevy Malibu? Well, I’m here to tell you “It just keeps getting Better!” The first 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco just came in and you need to give this car more than just a passing glance.

To start with, the styling has been changed and this car looks great!! It has a fresh bold look, with a 2” wider stance, that’s hard to miss. This car will certainly turn some heads. The lines are refined and it seems to make a statement that ”I’m not just any car”. Then there’s the fuel economy, a solid 37 MPG Highway for an average 29 combined City and Highway. That will save you some money at the pump!

This is achieved, in part, with the use of aerodynamic features incorporated into the design. These include parabolic-shaped rounded corners; low rolling resistance tires; and underbody panels that smooth the air flow moving under the car. Add to these features the active shutter system that sends the air around the car when it’s not needed to cool the engine, and you have a car that moves easily through the air, thereby improving fuel economy.

Then there’s the e-Assist system, which is just amazing! This adds a 115V lithium-ion battery and a motor-generator to the enhanced 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. This stored power gives a boost of 15 hp to the drive train during heavy acceleration and grade driving allowing the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently and to use less power. Upon deceleration fuel is cut off to the engine and the motor-generator continues to spin along with the engine to provide smooth takeoff power when the accelerator is pressed again.

But that’s not all! When the car is stopped the engine is cut off to further save fuel. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the motor-generator almost instantly spins the engine at 500 rpm for a seamless engine start. In order to keep the battery charged, the system uses regenerative braking to capture the energy lost during braking and converts it to electricity to charge the battery.

Next we’ll talk about all of the goodies inside the cabin of the car that make it an enjoyable vehicle to be in as well. In the meantime stop by, take a look at the new Malibu; heck, take it for a test drive and find out why “We’re Simply the Best!!”

 One of the difficult parts of shopping for a new vehicle can be getting all of the essential information regarding features, options, and functionality. There’s a plethora of information on the Internet, and more and more consumers are taking advantage of these new ways of getting the specifics that they need to help them in making a decision as to which vehicle they may consider for their needs.

Even considering all of the details available from a variety of sources, it’s still good to be able to rely on a great source of information at you local dealership – your sales consultant. How do you know that you can rely on him or her? Well here at Edenton Motors all of our sales staff are required to become certified as a GM Sales Consultant. This involves an extensive series of courses related to every model that we sell.

These courses can involve Internet based training and in person training such as the Ride and Drive programs that I have mentioned previously, as well as training in the dealership conducted by a GM Trainer. Regardless of the delivery method, the sales person needs to pore through detail books and reference materials to become proficient in being able to inform and present this information to customers.

 Most recently General Motors conducted a nationwide “Show What You Know” contest for the Chevrolet Sonic. This involved a product knowledge test, and then written presentations on how to present specific information to a customer. One of the final steps in this contest was for “finalist” contestants to perform a “Walk Around” presentation to a GM representative.

 

At Edenton Motors, we’re proud to say that one of our sales staff is one of those finalists and performed his walk around this week. Tom Davis has been with us only a short while but has been in automotive sales for 50 years. By achieving this distinction Tom has demonstrated a superior level of commitment to our customers and their satisfaction. Please join us in congratulating Tom and wishing him well as he progresses through the final legs of this competition. Tom is one of the reasons that we’re “Simply the Best!!”

             

Beat the Heat at the Pump and Save

Well, winter’s almost over, spring is in the air, and many customers are beginning to consider what vehicle they might like for their next ride. There are so many choices to consider with various options and styles. Also with spring around the corner gas prices have begun their inevitable rise at the pump and fuel economy has been and will be an important factor while considering a new vehicle. With that in mind General Motors has a great selection of vehicles that get 30 MPG or better!

            The all-new Sonic from a previous posting gets an admirable 35-MPG HWY and comes in a sedan and sporty hatchback model. This is a fun vehicle to drive and it’s sure to be a success. Check the previous post for more details about the Sonic, or go to www.gm.com for all of the GM Line up of great vehicles. Next up is the Chevy Cruze. This beautiful 4-door sedan gets up to 38 MPG and is quite roomy while also stylish and contemporary.

            The Impala and Malibu have been mainstays of the Chevy line up and still are, and both get up 30-MPG hwy – very impressive for a mid and full sized sedan! Both are Roomy, comfortable, and fuel-efficient; what a great combination for the next family car. Considering trading a full size SUV but not quite willing to give up that taller stance? Well the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain are both an excellent choice while achieving an excellent 32 MPG HWY for both with the 2.4 Liter engine.

            Buick has three great vehicles to choose from that also deliver great gas mileage! First is the Lacrosse – a full-sized sedan with all amenities Buick customers have come to expect in a premium vehicle. Luxury, comfort and an outstanding 36 MPG HWY. That’s truly hard to beat! The Regal – reintroduced last year – and the all new Verano both achieve a very respectable 32 MPG HWY.

            So what does this all mean for your pocketbook? Great savings!! Assume that the vehicle you drive now gets 20 MPG, and that you drive the average 15,000 miles per year and the cost of fuel is $3.50 a gallon. If that’s the case you spend $2,625 per year. At 30 MPG that cost is reduced to $1,750 per year, saving $875 per year! That’s like getting a pay raise.

            If you’re interested in getting a great vehicle at a great price, and save money on fuel costs you need to consider one of these great GM products. Give us a call or stop by to take a look at any of these great vehicles and schedule a test drive – we’ll show you why we’re “Simply the Best!”.