Yukon Ranks Highest in Segment in APEAL

The 2014 GMC Yukon ranked highest in its segment in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudySM released today. Yukon was also recently recognized by J.D. Power in both the Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies. 

 

“Recognizing the Yukon demonstrates the effort and attention to detail given by our engineers and designers,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick and GMC. “These awards reinforce our focus on putting the customer at the center of everything we do from the first visit to the dealership, to the drive home, or 10 years down the road.”

The 2014 APEAL is based on more than 83,000 responses to questions about how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive in the first 90 days after purchase.

Last month, the GMC Yukon ranked highest in its segment in the 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality StudySM. The 2014 IQS is based on responses from the same 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2014 model year vehicles surveyed at 90 days of ownership. The study includes a 233-question survey designed to provide manufacturers with information quickly identify problems and drive improvement.

Earlier this year, the GMC Yukon was ranked highest in segment in the 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. J.D Power uses information gathered from owners of 3-year-old, or 2011 model year vehicles, to rank overall dependability.

Chevrolet Volt Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick + Award

Only small car of 12 in recent testing to earn distinction

The 2014 Chevrolet Volt with available Forward Collision Alert was the only vehicle out of 12 small cars tested to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2014 Top Safety Pick + award. It also received an acceptable overall score in IIHS’ challenging small overlap front crash test.

The results in the most recent round of testing put it ahead of its competitors, both in the electric and small car segments.

“The Volt’s crashworthiness performance puts it in the top tier for small car safety,” said Joe Nolan, IIHS senior vice president for vehicle research. “GM should be commended for the Volt’s performance in the small overlap front test because this car was designed before that challenging test was introduced.”

Five Simple Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

1. Run several errands in one trip. Pick up the dry cleaning, dog food and groceries in one trip. Even better, do it on your way to or from work.

2. Reduce Weight. Less weight in your car means that the engine won’t have to work as hard. Eliminate unnecessary cargo, especially during your daily commute because those miles add up quick.

3. Keep your tires inflated to manufacturer standards. This one is easy and makes a huge difference. Low inflated tires will have a drastic effect on the fuel mileage your car gets.

4. Don’t speed! While each car has a different optimal speed to fuel mileage ratio, a good rule to keep in mind is that, on average, every 5 mph over 50 mph that you travel costs an extra 25 cents/gallon.

5. Use cruise control and overdrive. Most modern car’s cruise control uses a computer to achieve the best possible fuel economy. Using overdrive, especially on the freeway, engages a higher gear ratio, effectively reducing the amount of work your car’s engine is exerting.

We hope these five tips can help save you some money. If you have any other tricks that you like to implement, be sure to let us know!

Four Signs That It's Time For A New Car

1.    You have to perform a sacred ritual every time you try to start the car

2.   Your paint job looks like this.

      3.     Your bumper is comprised of more duct tape than actual plastic. (Unless you're going for the hillbilly chrome look.)

4.   Your exhaust emits enough smoke to rival a Bon Jovi concert. 

If your car is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it's time to check out our inventory.

From your phone to your tablet to your desktop, get the newest update for Google Maps

The newest update for Google Maps just became available and we have to say, we're impressed!  Here are the key improvements you'll notice when you hit the road:

-Never miss another exit. Updates for the app include even more detailed directions, even down to which lane you should be in before your next move.

-Weigh your options.  If you frequently use services like Uber, this update allows you to compare your route with public transportation, walking, biking, etc.

Offline is no longer off-limits!  If you bring up your route ahead of time, you can save the map in an offline version, give it a personalized name, and access it with or without a connection.

-Remember "that one place" you went to "that one time."  Save locations you've visited so you can easily find them the next time you're on the lookout.

Some other key features: Now you can filter your searches by business hours--so you'll be able to view which places are open, and always get there on time.  If you can't get there right now, you can do the next best thing: bring it to life in the palm of your hand with Google Street View.  Check out local public transit options while you're at it. 

Find even more information about the update here.

Here's the KEY to parking lot safety-- especially if you're alone.

Hey, you.  Yeah, you.  And the person next to you!


This isn't just for women.  This isn't just for young new drivers.  This isn't just for those in a rough spot of town.  Regardless of age, gender, or location, situational awareness is key for all humans, and it becomes exponentially more important when getting behind the wheel all by yourself.  It may sound cliche, but it really is better to be safe than sorry. 

You've probably got one of these questions in your mind:  How much extra effort is this going to be on my part?  How much will it cost for the latest safety gadget to keep myself safe?  What exactly are you trying to sell me?

We'll just answer all three.  This advice is easy, free, and largely common sense.  All you have to do is, well, do it.

Stay hyper-observant of surroundings.  Some of us are guilty of arriving at our destination, locking the vehicle, and tossing our keys into a purse, backpack, or pocket  Why is it bad news?  Fast forward to being back at your car--when you're ready to head home.  Not only are you caught unprepared for the unexpected, you are now distracted while you search for your keys.  Don't be an easy target.


Of course, the best kind of safety is preventative!  Make sure your car is up-to-date on all maintenance/servicing appointments  You can even make an appointment with us online!

Here's the easiest way to be a better driver.

Chances are you probably consider yourself to be a pretty safe driver.  After all, it’s something you do practically every day, right?  Between commuting to and from work, picking up the kids from school, and running errands, you’d have to be a skilled motorist.  We certainly hope so! But it never hurts to brush up on your know-how.  

 

Tip of the day: Keep your distance.

Don’t follow other vehicles too closely!  Think in threes: 

 

Stay 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you for speeds of 35 – 55 MPH in fair weather, 

 

6 seconds for more than 55 MPH or in rain, and 

 

9 seconds for heavy snowstorms or low visibility.

Tell us how YOU stay safe on the road!  Join the conversation on our Facebook page.