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Chevrolet unveils eco label

2012-01-30T12:00:00.001-08:00

All US carmaker General Motors’ Chevrolet models will now be sold with an EcologicTM environmental label, the company has announced.

The label, which is audited by sustainability agency Two Tomorrows, will start by appearing on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic in March, followed by other 2013 models later this year.
Chevrolet says the label will provide information on the environmental impact of manufacturing and assembly; how the vehicle behaves on the road including engine technologies, aerodynamics, lighter weight components or low-rolling resistance tires; and how much of the vehicle can be recycled at the end of its life.

“Customers want companies to be honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals, and rightly so,” says General Motors North America president Mark Reuss. “Putting an Ecologic label on each Chevrolet is just one more way for us to share our environmental progress.”

For further information:www.gm.com www.chevrolet.com/ecologic
Related stories:Ford and Volvo introduce long-awaited electric cars (15-Dec 2011)Mitsubishi starts US deliveries of i-MiEV electric car (12-Dec 2011)Toyota and BMW to work together on eco motoring (1-Dec 2011)

If Small Is the Next Big Thing, Then the 2012 Chevy Sonic Is Huge

2012-01-25T13:24:00.001-08:00

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic: a fuel-sipping subcompact which has gotten good European reviews is still hot! Chevy was replaced its Aveo with the Sonic in 2011, it’s an all-new sedan built by Chevy in Detroit instead of by Daewoo in Korea. The Sonic is absolutely competitive in its class, and for most people, they weren't prepared for what they experienced on their test drives.

Starting at $14,495, the 2012 Chevy Sonic is available in both sedan and hatchback body configurations with either a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.4-liter four. Both engines operate on regular unleaded and make the same peak horsepower (138), but the 1.4-liter turbo offers far more torque and is also the more fuel-efficient of the two by 5 mpg on the highway. A five-speed manual is the base transmission, a six-speed automatic is an upgrade (late availability on the turbo) and a six-speed manual is available only with the turbo.

The 2012 Chevy Sonic that’s clearly the enthusiast's choice — is the LTZ four-door hatchback ($17,995) with the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission ($700) coated in Inferno Orange Metallic paint ($195). At $18,890 as-tested, the top-tier Sonic is about $500 more expensive than a comparable Ford Fiesta SES Hatchback or Honda Fit Sport, but worth it.
If small is the next big thing, then the Sonic is huge. For starters, the 138-hp six-speed manual

Sonic LTZ Turbo is easily the quickest subcompact by a healthy margin. Chevy estimates the turbocharged LTZ will run to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds — about a second quicker than a 120-hp Fiesta or 117-hp Fit. In a fortunate twist of fate, the "fun one" is the most fuel-efficient as well. That same turbocharged Sonic with the six-speed manual transmission will be able to make the 40-mpg-highway claim its nearest competitors cannot. From our drive (where we observed just under 30 mpg), we'd say those stats sound about right. Impressively, the little hatch didn't even feel like it was trying that hard when we approached its limits.

Besides class-leading horsepower, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic's turbocharged engine provides a welcome characteristic utterly absent in the subcompact world: torque. Producing a stout 148 lb-ft of twisting force at just 2,500 rpm, the Sonic's 1.4 turbo practically loafs compared to the Fiesta and Fit's naturally aspirated engines that need to be near full boil to make their peak torque at 5,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm, respectively. This low-rpm drivability around town in the Sonic is unique and is one of the reasons the competition needs to worry.

People will notice that the 2,743-pound Sonic Turbo is never caught flat-footed, delivers remarkably linear power, and on our drive, pulled itself up those notoriously steep streets of San Francisco with ease. Aiding in that effort are hill-holding brakes (standard across the entire Sonic line), which keep the car steady for 2 seconds in either 1st or Reverse gears.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Hatchback doesn't need to be this good to fill the subcompact corner of the Chevy dealership. But we believe both this segment and sales of the Chevy Sonic are about to explode simultaneously. If you're considering downsizing but aren't looking to downgrade in the process, go drive a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ. It's on dealership lots right now.

GM to Donate $400,000 to Cancer Institute

2012-01-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Some uplifting news from Geneneral Motors for people in need:

DETROIT, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Mary and Tony Barra to Chair Karmanos Cancer Institute's 30th Annual Dinner April 28

The General Motors Foundation is donating $400,000 to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, bringing to nearly $6 million the foundation's support over the last 15 years.
Separately, GM Senior Vice President of Global Product Development Mary Barra and her husband, Tony, president of Filament Consulting, will chair the Institute's 30th Annual Dinner on April 28. The Barras follow GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson and his wife, Karin, who chaired the event in 2011, when more than $868,000 was raised for cancer research.
A 33-year veteran of GM, Barra is responsible for leading the design, engineering and quality of new vehicles for GM across the globe. She was recently named one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes magazine.

"We're very happy to have the support of Mary and Tony Barra as chairs of this year's dinner to support cancer research," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. president and chief executive officer, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "We're incredibly grateful for the unprecedented commitment from GM and the GM Foundation. Thanks to all of our supporters, we are developing the next standard of cancer care that will be used around the world."

Health and human services is one of four key focus areas for the foundation.
"The GM Foundation's grant will help Karmanos continue the important fight against cancer," said foundation President Vivian Pickard. "We are fortunate to have this leading organization serving our Michigan communities and we are committed to making this year's annual dinner a success."

General Motors is the Host Sponsor of this year's dinner, which will be held at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Mich. The Presenting Sponsor is Compuware Corporation; and the Executive Sponsors are Johnson Controls and Lil and Alex Erdeljan.

"Tony and I are honored to be able to build upon the success of last year's event by chairing the 2012 Annual Dinner," said Barra. "The opportunity to serve an organization that is dedicated to eradicating cancer is a special privilege for us."

Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities for the dinner should contact Maureen Bender at 313-576-8111 or benderm@karmanos.org. To reserve tickets, please contact Lisa Koltunchik at 313-576-8106 or koltuncl@karmanos.org.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Karmanos is southeastern Michigan's most preferred hospital for cancer care according to annual surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org .
About the General Motors FoundationSince its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to deserving American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation .

About General MotorsGeneral Motors Co. /quotes/zigman/1466682/quotes/nls/gm GM -0.04% and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM's brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com .

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Now is the time to prepare for snowy weather

2012-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

With cold temperatures and snow expected over the weekend and next week, now is a good time to look over helpful tips to get prepared.
At home:
Use generators correctly – never operate a generator inside the home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to the home's wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment needed directly to the outlets on the generator.
Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.
Don’t forget family pets – bring them indoors. If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
Avoid using a stove or oven to heat the home. Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a fireplace fire unattended.
If using a space heater, place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep children and pets away from the space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.

On the road:
Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
If someone does get stuck, stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

Out in the cold:
Dressing in several layers of lightweight clothing keeps someone warmer than a single heavy coat.
Mittens provide more warmth to the hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers the ears.
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain one’s footing in ice and snow.

The C6 Corvette is going out in style -- and with plenty of performance.

2012-01-12T15:21:00.000-08:00

Chevrolet confirmed Thursday the 2013 Corvette will be the final year for the sixth generation of its iconic sports car, which it will send off with a 427 convertible collector edition and a 60th anniversary package.
The cars will be shown in the flesh Jan. 21 at the Barrett-Jackson auction ahead of their launch this summer.
The first 427 convertible will be auctioned at the Las Vegas sale with the proceeds going to the Drive to End Hunger relief program.
As the name implies, the 427 edition has a 427-cubic-inch LS7 engine borrowed from the Z06, and it's rated at 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Chevy says this is the most powerful production convertible in Corvette's history.
This model will only offer a six-speed manual. Carbon fiber is used for the raised hood, Z06-style fenders and floor panels, as well as an option front splitter and rocker panels.
The 427 rolls on 19-inch wheels front with 20-inchers in rear. Black cup and chrome ZR1 wheels are options. The car checks in at a lithe 3,355 pounds and can blitz to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
The 427 follows in the lineage of the lineage of special models offered from 1966 to 1969, before displacement expanded to 454 cubic inches.
Meanwhile, the 60th anniversary edition offers arctic white paint, special badging, a carbon fiber splitter and rocker panels and a 60th anniversary gauge cluster and sill plates.
There's also an optional stripe package.
The 60th anniversary trim will be available on all 2013 model year Corvettes, and the convertibles have a blue top.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Review Pierce County Washington State

2010-02-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Chevrolet Equinox is a small/midsize SUV that ferries up to five passengers. It's available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels. Standard equipment for the base LS and 1LT is pretty decent, while the 2LT adds items like automatic climate control and upgraded audio. The top-shelf LTZ tacks on upscale features like a power liftgate and leather upholstery. All models have stability control and a full complement of airbags as standard. Notable options on certain trims include a rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system.

Under the hood, the Equinox starts with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Available on all but the LS is a 3.0-liter V6 that pumps out 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado

2010-02-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck is available in three body styles: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Standard cabs can be had with either a standard bed (6-foot, 6-inch) or a long bed (8-foot). Extended cabs can have a short (5-foot, 8-inch), standard or long bed.

There are four different engines available for the 2010 Chevy Silverado 1500. Work trucks have a 4.3-liter V6 (195 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) as standard. This can be upgraded to a 4.8-liter V8 (295 hp, 305 lb-ft) or a 5.3-liter V8 (315 hp, 338 lb-ft). The LS comes with the 4.8-liter V8. The LT trim, depending on body style, will have one of these two V8s as standard, while the LTZ has the 5.3-liter engine as standard.

Welcome to the Baydo Chevrolet Blog, Your Washington Chevrolet Dealer

2010-01-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

Baydo Chevrolet was named the Best Auto Dealer in the Nisqually Valley, but its customers know it is really the Best Auto Dealer in Pierce County, the Puget Sound and all of Washington State. Check back often for the best deals on Chevrolets and a great selection of used cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. Visit us at www.baydochevrolet.com.