GMC Vehicles Prepared for Do-It-Yourself Project Trends

DETROIT – Springtime is here, which means the hammers and shovels for do-it-yourself home improvement projects are coming out. And from Terrain to Sierra HD, every GMC is capable of carrying the load – big or small – for a variety of home renovation projects.

Home improvement is an ever-growing industry with an expected retail sales increase of nearly 4 percent in 2012 to $269 billion, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute.

“I’ve been a contractor forever so I wouldn’t even consider a vehicle that can’t fit plywood and other materials” said Eric Stromer, host of HGTV’s “Over Your Head,” do-it-yourself expert on “GMC Trade Secrets” and a GMC Sierra Hybrid driver. “The crew cab is good for my kids, I can tow cement mixers and other equipment, and with it being a hybrid, it offers that capability with a lower carbon footprint.”

With Sierra 1500 half-ton, 2500HD ¾-ton, and 3500HD 1-ton pickups, GMC offers a variety of cab layouts, bed lengths, engines, transmissions, and axle ratios. Payload capacity is as much as 6,635 pounds and with the Duramax diesel’s 765 lb-ft of torque, trailers weighing up to 23,000 pounds can be towed. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, home addition projects that require heavy lumber, bulky insulation, and other materials are on the rise.

For the Acadia midsize crossover, which had its best sales year ever in 2011 and will be significantly updated for 2013, do-it-yourself projects were part of the development process from the beginning.
At the core of the cargo area’s development was the ability to accommodate a 4-foot-wide sheet of drywall or plywood. The second- and third-row seats fold forward to create a practical cargo space with a flat load floor for easy loading. Healthy lifting movements were also considered when the load height was set at an average waist level. Inside, there’s no deep well in the floor that would require excessive bending.

“I’m at the home improvement store all the time and I still haven’t come across anything that won’t fit in my Acadia,” said Sue Eckel, vehicle chief engineer. “I’ve slid the SmartSlide seats forward to fit small trees without tipping them over, and I’ve slid the second row rearward to put heavy pots securely on the floor. SmartSlide is all about that configurability.”

SmartSlide is an industry-exclusive feature in GM crossovers including Acadia that allows one-handed adjustment of and access to the second- and third-row seats. According to Eckel, “you can even slide the second row back enough to recline the front passenger seat fully to carry a ladder.”

The Terrain small SUV, which gets a more powerful V-6 and an upscale Denali model for 2013, offers similar versatility. Its Multiflex rear seats can be moved fore and aft nearly eight inches (200 mm) or folded flat in a 60/40 configuration to free up 63.9 cubic feet (2820 liters) of cargo space.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Mar/0322_gmc_diy

GMC Dealers

2012 GMC Yukon and Sierra Heritage Editions Announced [New York Auto Show]

Since the current Sierra and Yukon are on their way out—we expect an all-new Sierra pickup to be announced soon—GMC decided to give them one last flash of the spotlight. Heritage editions of both will take a bow at the New York auto show and are supposed to celebrate 100 years of the GMC brand.


Sierra Heritage Edition

Available on Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab models, the special-edition package (pictured above) features “Heritage Edition” exterior badges and embroidery on the floor mats and headrests. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with chrome accents are standard along with chrome door handles, mirror caps, and door moldings.

A Heritage Edition truck will run an extra $2645 and include the Convenience package (normally a $725 option), which includes rear parking sensors, adjustable pedals, universal home remote, a locking tailgate, and rear fender liners. A rearview camera is also included.

Read More: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2012-gmc-yukon-and-sierra-heritage-editions-announced-new-york-auto-show/

GMC Vehicles Prepared for Do-It-Yourself Project Trends

Smart features matched for growth in home improvement market

DETROIT – Springtime is here, which means the hammers and shovels for do-it-yourself home improvement projects are coming out. And from Terrain to Sierra HD, every GMC is capable of carrying the load – big or small – for a variety of home renovation projects.

Home improvement is an ever-growing industry with an expected retail sales increase of nearly 4 percent in 2012 to $269 billion, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute.

“I’ve been a contractor forever so I wouldn’t even consider a vehicle that can’t fit plywood and other materials” said Eric Stromer, host of HGTV’s “Over Your Head,” do-it-yourself expert on “GMC Trade Secrets” and a GMC Sierra Hybrid driver. “The crew cab is good for my kids, I can tow cement mixers and other equipment, and with it being a hybrid, it offers that capability with a lower carbon footprint.”

With Sierra 1500 half-ton, 2500HD ¾-ton, and 3500HD 1-ton pickups, GMC offers a variety of cab layouts, bed lengths, engines, transmissions, and axle ratios. Payload capacity is as much as 6,635 pounds and with the Duramax diesel’s 765 lb-ft of torque, trailers weighing up to 23,000 pounds can be towed. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, home addition projects that require heavy lumber, bulky insulation, and other materials are on the rise.

For the Acadia midsize crossover, which had its best sales year ever in 2011 and will be significantly updated for 2013, do-it-yourself projects were part of the development process from the beginning.
At the core of the cargo area’s development was the ability to accommodate a 4-foot-wide sheet of drywall or plywood. The second- and third-row seats fold forward to create a practical cargo space with a flat load floor for easy loading. Healthy lifting movements were also considered when the load height was set at an average waist level. Inside, there’s no deep well in the floor that would require excessive bending.

“I’m at the home improvement store all the time and I still haven’t come across anything that won’t fit in my Acadia,” said Sue Eckel, vehicle chief engineer. “I’ve slid the SmartSlide seats forward to fit small trees without tipping them over, and I’ve slid the second row rearward to put heavy pots securely on the floor. SmartSlide is all about that configurability.”

SmartSlide is an industry-exclusive feature in GM crossovers including Acadia that allows one-handed adjustment of and access to the second- and third-row seats. According to Eckel, “you can even slide the second row back enough to recline the front passenger seat fully to carry a ladder.”

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Mar/0322_gmc_diy

March GMC Specials at Ettleson GMC

More GMC Specials at Ettleson GMC

2013 Chevy, GMC Natural Gas Bi-Fuel Pickup Trucks Announced

General Motors announced today it will offer bi-fuel versions of its 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks that run either on gasoline or natural gas.

The two trucks are the 2500 HD (heavy duty) model, and can be ordered in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and with a standard or long bed.

The pickups are fitted with a 6.0-liter V-8 engine that is modified to switch seamlessly between burning compressed natural gas, or CNG, and gasoline.

GM chose the bi-fuel option, it said, because it relieves buyers of the need to stay within range of a local natural-gas fueling stations.

No range anxiety

"Range anxiety is very real," said Joyce Mattman, director of GM commercial product and specialty vehicles. "We worked with the Chevy Volt team on that, and saw the same issues" among customers who worried about running out of electricity.

The trucks run on natural gas as standard, then switch to gasoline when the CNG runs out (or if the driver pushes a button to do so).

Natural gas-powered vehicles have lower emissions, producing about 25 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) per mile than those running on gasoline.

The fuel is plentiful and domestically produced, with 98 percent of U.S. natural gas produced within the country.

Cheaper fuel costs

And with gasoline costs soaring, the cost advantage of CNG is by far its most attractive feature. Fleet customers may save $2,000 a year or more per vehicle on fuel costs.

Natural gas prices are much less volatile than gas prices, and CNG equivalent to the energy content of one gallon of gasoline costs slightly more than $2 in most areas.

Today, there are fewer than 1,000 natural-gas fueling stations in the U.S., according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half open to the public. Stations are most prevalent in California, Oklahoma, New York, and Utah.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1073663_2013-chevy-gmc-natural-gas-bi-fuel-pickup-trucks-announced

GMC IntelliLink Helps Drivers Get Connected

New system now available in Terrain uses patent-pending technology

DETROIT – The 2012 GMC Terrain smaller SUV’s standard Color Touch Radio is now available with IntelliLink, which provides smartphone connectivity and voice activated control of the audio system.  Simple commands initiate a phone call, change a station, stream internet radio, and even control an iPod.

IntelliLink’s interface is designed to be used with two hands on the wheel as often as possible, and its layout was created with specific emphasis on minimizing distractions. Here are some other important things to know about the system:

• Like most smartphones, the IntelliLink homescreen is configurable. An array of icons for phone, radio, and other functions mimics the displays of popular mobile devices, and each icon can be shifted or removed, based on the driver’s needs and wants.
• IntelliLink has icons for popular internet radio providers Pandora and Stitcher for Bluetooth streaming through a smartphone, Pandora listeners can give a song a “thumbs-up” or “thumbs-down” through Terrain’s seven-inch touchscreen.
• Most of IntelliLink’s features can be controlled through a hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance. Drivers can place a phone call, play an artist, or tune to a radio station without their eyes leaving the road.
• An MP3 player isn’t required to play music through Intellilink. Owners can bring their music collections into the car by plugging a USB flash drive into a port in the center console.
• Album art and artist information for songs playing from a device are displayed on Terrain’s color touch screen. The Gracenote data that allows this also makes voice activation more conversational, identifying nicknames like “The Boss” or “The Stones.”

GMC’s implementation of the Gracenote media database includes a piece of exclusive, patent-pending technology, according to General Motors lead engineer Tony Kraatz.

“Gracenote is typically limited to devices plugged in to the USB port,” he said. “With IntelliLink, we are the first company to run Bluetooth streaming audio through the Gracenote database to display album art for music players connected wirelessly.”

“About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity,” said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM’s infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. “Whether it’s because they want to listen to their favorite music or hear movie times on the way to the theater, today’s car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car.”

The GMC Terrain talks with smartphones in other ways than just IntelliLink. With the OnStar RemoteLink app available for iPhone and Android, drivers can use their phones to lock and unlock doors or check fuel and tire pressure levels. On models equipped with remote start, the app can also start the engine from anywhere a cell phone signal is present.

IntelliLink is available now for the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2 V-6 and is coming soon to all SLT models. Last week, GMC debuted IntelliLink connectivity for the redesigned 2013 Acadia and Acadia Denali, on sale in late 2012.

Read More: http://www.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Feb/0214_gm_intellink

Chicago GMC

GMC IntelliLink Helps Drivers Get Connected

New system now available in Terrain uses patent-pending technology

DETROIT – The 2012 GMC Terrain smaller SUV’s standard Color Touch Radio is now available with IntelliLink, which provides smartphone connectivity and voice activated control of the audio system.

Simple commands initiate a phone call, change a station, stream internet radio, and even control an iPod.
IntelliLink’s interface is designed to be used with two hands on the wheel as often as possible, and its layout was created with specific emphasis on minimizing distractions. Here are some other important things to know about the system:

• Like most smartphones, the IntelliLink homescreen is configurable. An array of icons for phone, radio, and other functions mimics the displays of popular mobile devices, and each icon can be shifted or removed, based on the driver’s needs and wants.
• IntelliLink has icons for popular internet radio providers Pandora and Stitcher for Bluetooth streaming through a smartphone, Pandora listeners can give a song a “thumbs-up” or “thumbs-down” through Terrain’s seven-inch touchscreen.
• Most of IntelliLink’s features can be controlled through a hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance. Drivers can place a phone call, play an artist, or tune to a radio station without their eyes leaving the road.
• An MP3 player isn’t required to play music through Intellilink. Owners can bring their music collections into the car by plugging a USB flash drive into a port in the center console.
• Album art and artist information for songs playing from a device are displayed on Terrain’s color touch screen. The Gracenote data that allows this also makes voice activation more conversational, identifying nicknames like “The Boss” or “The Stones.”

GMC’s implementation of the Gracenote media database includes a piece of exclusive, patent-pending technology, according to General Motors lead engineer Tony Kraatz.

“Gracenote is typically limited to devices plugged in to the USB port,” he said. “With IntelliLink, we are the first company to run Bluetooth streaming audio through the Gracenote database to display album art for music players connected wirelessly.”

“About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity,” said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM’s infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. “Whether it’s because they want to listen to their favorite music or hear movie times on the way to the theater, today’s car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car.”

The GMC Terrain talks with smartphones in other ways than just IntelliLink. With the OnStar RemoteLink app available for iPhone and Android, drivers can use their phones to lock and unlock doors or check fuel and tire pressure levels. On models equipped with remote start, the app can also start the engine from anywhere a cell phone signal is present.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Feb/0214_gm_intellink

Chicago GMC

Buick and GMC Showrooms Transforming Across Country

More than 80 percent of eligible dealers are enrolled in dealership update program

DETROIT – Buick and GMC customers nationwide are discovering how a more welcoming dealership atmosphere enhances the experience of buying a new car or servicing a vehicle. More than 1,900 dealers, many in major markets, are showing the way.

The ongoing dealership image enhancement program includes a new exterior façade with updated signage, a bright and airy showroom featuring a customer greeting station, and a customer lounge with free Wi-Fi. In some cases, a café or salon is part of the experience.

The changes are important because both Buick and GMC currently attract more than 40 percent of their buyers from brands outside General Motors.

Gensler, a leading global architecture firm, is helping Buick and GMC marry the new design details with each dealership’s existing building.

Paul Masse, owner of two Buick-GMC stores in New England, has completed one dealership update in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and is in the process of revitalizing another store in Woonsocket.

“The design group from Gensler did a great job with the colors and appearance,” Masse said. “It really does bring in a new type of customer.”

And Masse’s customers are noticing the differences.

“This new store provides such a comfortable place to buy and service a vehicle,” said Crystal Montgomery of East Providence. “This dealership takes quality to a whole new level.”

To date, more than 170 dealers have completed the image enhancement program. Combined with the number of stores at various points in the process, 1,900 Buick and GMC dealers are involved. By the end of 2013, more than 2,000 buildings across the United States will be fully revitalized.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Jan/0130_buickgmc

GM shows how interactive car windows could be fun for passengers

 How do you fight boredom if you're stuck in the back seat during a long road trip? Surf the Web on your smart phone? Stare at the scenery and wonder what you're whizzing by? Researchers at General Motors, along with students at the Future Lab at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel, think there are ways to merge the two.

GM's Windows of Opportunity (WOO) Project asked the Israeli students to "conceptualize new ways to help rear seat passengers, particularly children, have a richer experience on the road." And what they came up with is quite stunning.

Using existing—albeit expensive—technology, the futurists created a prototype entertainment and information system that uses touch- and gesture-sensitive rear door windows. The system ties into the car's information systems—speed and location via GPS, for example—and the wireless Web. Four experimental "apps" displayed on the special window keep the back seat passenger entertained and informed.

According to the press release, the apps include:

• Otto, an animated character projected over passing scenery that responds to real-time car performance, weather, and landscape. With Otto, passengers can learn about their environment in fun, playful ways.
• Foofu, which allows passengers to create and explore by drawing on the window with a finger.
• Spindow, a social media like app that connects riders with others passengers around the globe in real time.
• Pond, an app that allows passengers to stream and share music with other cars on the road, download favorite tracks, and share messages with other passengers on the road.

The Bezalel Academy students demonstrate the prototype system in a video (see below), but there are no immediate plans to put such interactive displays in production vehicles, said GM's press release.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/01/gm-shows-how-interactive-car-windows-could-be-fun-for-passengers.html

GMC Wraps Up Monday Night Football Tour

DETROIT – GMC, together with the NFL, completed its second annual Monday Night Football Tour, with NFL cities reaping the benefits of more than 300 volunteers who built playgrounds as part of United Way’s nationwide effort to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018.

Playgrounds were completed in Dallas, Tampa Bay, Detroit, New York City, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans and Seattle. Volunteers, including NFL players like  Detroit Lions’ tight end Brandon Pettigrew, contributed more than 1,000 hours of labor.

In Kansas City, Mo., a grade school received a playground it was lacking since its original construction 25 years ago. In New York, a new playground gave young children a place to play at a school previously offering only equipment for older students.

The United Way Healthy Kids Zones—Driven by GMC offered thousands of children the opportunity to climb, build upper body strength, promote balance and agility, and develop strength and endurance. The playground equipment, paid for by GMC and supplied by GameTime, is designed to help children develop active, healthy bodies, as well as personal and social skills.

“GMC recognizes how important it is to raise awareness about the issue of childhood obesity and to create new opportunities for young people to lead healthier lifestyles,” said Craig Bierley, GMC Advertising and Sales Promotion director. “By working with the NFL and United Way, GMC is helping make communities stronger.”

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2012/Jan/0113_nfl_gm

Terrain and Acadia Continue to Attract New GMC Customers

DETROIT – For the third consecutive time since the GMC Terrain debuted in 2009, the smaller SUV is on track to end the year with more than half its sales coming from brands outside General Motors. And more than one in five is coming from import car and truck brands including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

The GMC Acadia also continues to attract new customers to the brand. Like Terrain, Acadia is on track to count more than half of its owners from outside GM in 2011, continuing a four-year trend for the full-size crossover.

Acadia has the lowest cost of ownership in its segment, according to ALG, which tracks residual values, or how much a vehicle is expected to be worth after a certain number of years. Through November, total Acadia sales were up 18.6 percent year to date.

New in the 2012 GMC Terrain is the industry’s first crash avoidance system that exclusively uses a single camera to help drivers avoid front-end collisions. This technology is coupled with lane-departure warning for $295. Starting in Spring 2012, GMC’s new Intellilink infotainment system will be an option. Terrain sales were up 47.3 percent through November.

“Acadia and Terrain are industry leaders in both design and technology,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC Sales and Service. “Consumers are taking notice, as evidenced by each model’s sales increases through the first 11 months of 2011.”

After being redesigned for the 2011 model year, Sierra HD pickups are also ending their first full calendar year on a high note. Total sales were up 30.7 percent in November, and retail sales of ¾-ton extended-cab models were up 74.2 percent.

Retail sales of all Sierra pickups – ½ ton, ¾ ton and one ton – were up a combined 22.4 percent in November.

Read More: http://www.media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Dec/1202_gmcsales

GM Lansing Delta Township Plant Builds Millionth Vehicle

LANSING, Mich. – A Crystal Red Tintcoat GMC Acadia Denali rolled off the production line at General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township  Assembly Plant today, the 1 millionth vehicle produced at the automaker’s newest assembly plant in North America.

“This milestone shows the dedication of our team members to provide the highest-quality crossovers,” said plant manager Scott Whybrew. “Our team has established a strong foundation by continually improving our plant operations in order to exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Since starting production in 2006, Lansing Delta Township has manufactured the Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Acadia Denali and Buick Enclave. A white Outlook was the first vehicle produced on May 24, 2006.

The plant currently employs approximately 3,700 employees on three shifts and can  manufacture 290,000 vehicles a year.

“Producing the millionth vehicle would not be possible without the great people we have here,” said UAW Local 602 Chairman Rick Martinez. “Our employees are highly trained, and we couldn't create the models with such high quality without our people.”

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Nov/1116_100mil

GMC rolls out less expensive nav system, hints at apps to come

GMC has launched a new navigation system featuring a large, seven-inch screen, a lower price that is less than half that of some automaker systems, and app-like icon controls hinting at future additional functionality.

The $795 Color Touch Navigation System also includes a free three-month trial of XM traffic and weather services. After the trial, users will have the option of subscribing for $12.95 a month for the basic satellite radio subscription, plus $3.99 a month for traffic and weather data.

Navigating through menus is accomplished by tapping icons on the screen for weather, traffic, navigation, and other functions. While the icons lend a smart-phone-like look to the screen, no other application functionality is offered at this time. But a GMC representative strongly hinted that capability will be offered in the future. Other manufacturers including Hyundai and Toyota already offer apps for things like restaurant reviews and recommendations.

In addition to AM/FM and satellite radio and a CD player, Color Touch also includes USB and auxiliary audio inputs, and Bluetooth technology through OnStar for hands-free calls. The navigation system does not include voice activation, however.

Available now on the 2012 GMC Terrain SUV, Color Touch navigation will follow on more GMC models, and other GM divisions are scheduled to get their own versions of the system.

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/11/gmc-rolls-out-less-expensive-nav-system-hints-at-apps-to-come.html

GM, Costco join to sell GMC light trucks

DETROIT -- Costco has launched a deal with General Motors allowing its members to buy certain Chevrolet and GMC light trucks through select franchised dealers at a so-called "preferred price" -- generally equivalent to the price that the automaker offers its suppliers' employees.

Rick Borg, vice president of the Costco Auto Program, on Tuesday said the popular warehouse club expects its members to buy more than 5,000 new Chevrolet and GMC light trucks under the program. It started Tuesday and will end Jan. 3.

Costco also is giving a $500 Costco Cash Card to members who participate in the program.

GM spokesman Jim Cain described the Costco promotion as a "brand-awareness program" and a first for GM.

'Great showcase'

"Costco provides a great showcase. It has millions of members nationwide," he said. "This gives us the opportunity to put vehicles on display and reach people in a unique setting outside of a dealership."

GM's "preferred price" is a discount that varies by product, Cain said. It is similar to special prices that employees of GM suppliers are eligible to receive, for example. The deal is not as deep as an employee discount, Cain said.

Eligible vehicles include the new 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse and GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.

Costco members who take advantage of the program can combine the lower prices with other GM rebates and incentives for which they are eligible.

To participate, Costco members must register with the Costco Auto Program online or by calling a special telephone number. They also must complete redemption forms and surveys after making the purchase to receive the $500 Costco Cash Card incentive.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/COPY01/311029764/1261#ixzz1ckcfK2x0

Consumer Report 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Most reliable American cars

Consumer Reports recently unveiled the results of its latest reliability survey, showing that Asian brands continue to occupy the top-tier, claiming nine of the top 10 spots in our rankings. However, the findings among the domestic brands are noteworthy, and there’s plenty of good news within each segment.

We’re often asked how the domestics’ reliability stacks up, especially with some people wanting to specifically buy American. (Of course, defining what is an “American” car can be a challenge.) The results show that there are some very reliable U.S.-branded models, but they also remind of potential risks with buying first-year models.

Below is a list of vehicles with the highest predicted reliability within their respective segments. (We have only listed models whose predicted reliability is average or better.)

Midsized SUVs
GMC Terrain (V6)

Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/10/most-reliable-american-cars.html

GMC Terrain’s Navigation System Goes Beyond Directions

DETROIT – Going places just got easier with the introduction of the new Color Touch Navigation System on the 2012 GMC Terrain.

The system is available for $795 – less expensive than competing systems – and offers a full range of functions including maps, directions, music, hands-free phone, and three months of SiriusXM NavTraffic ^® and local forecast.

Terrain’s Color Touch Navigation System includes GMC’s new Color Touch Radio System, plus onboard navigation capabilities, including an updateable secure digital card-based map database, multiple map views and destination input methods.

The integrated Color Touch Radio System includes AM/FM, CD, SiriusXM^™ Satellite Radio, USB and auxiliary inputs for iPod and other MP3 players, and hands-free control of Bluetooth phones and voice commands through OnStar.

“Terrain’s Color Touch Navigation System is practical, purposeful technology with a high-tech look and feel at an economical price point compared to competing systems,” said Dave Bojanowski, GM navigation systems engineer. “Anyone familiar with smartphones or tablet computers will find its 7-inch color touch-screen and large app icons intuitive and easy to use.”

The system also offers an SD card reader linked to a photo viewer function that allows passengers to view pictures from cameras or smartphones in the display when the Terrain is parked. The LCD screen also displays album art stored on a connected iPod.

By offering hands-free control of Bluetooth phones and voice commands through OnStar, Terrain’s Color Touch system allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“Today’s car buyers don’t want to settle for mass-market radio, and they don’t have to,” said Tim Nixon, executive director, Global Electrical Systems, Infotainment and Electrification, citing GM research. “They expect to have access to personalized media wherever they are and the introduction of the Color Touch Radio and Navigation System makes media personalization easier than ever.”

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Oct/1019_terrain

High-Mileage Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain To Get Eco eAssist System For 2014?

The mild-hybrid system that General Motors calls eAssist (on the 2012 Buick Lacrosse and Regal models) will also appear on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco version.

But now it appears that the system will spread further across GM's product lines, with a report on GMInsideNews that it will appear on both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossover utility vehicles for the 2014 model year.

With the 2013 Malibu launching solely in its highest-mileage Malibu Eco form at first, demand for the 2.4-liter EcoTech engine with the hybrid alternator-starter attached is expected to decline once an all-new 2.5-liter non-hybrid four is offered later in the model year as the base Malibu engine.

To keep monthly production of its mild-hybrid engines as consistent as possible, GM reportedly plans to offer that engine in the Equinox and Terrain (which are built in the same factories and largely identical under the skin), starting in 2013.

The Lacrosse with eAssist is rated by the EPA at 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, improvements of 32 and 20 percent respectively over the 2011 Lacrosse fitted with the non-hybrid 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (rated at 19 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).

Applying those same improvements to the 2012 Equinox with the base 2.4-liter four, it could be rated as high as 29 mpg city, 38 mpg highway (against its current ratings of 22 city, 32 highway).

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1066988_high-mileage-chevy-equinox-gmc-terrain-to-get-eco-eassist-system-for-2014

GMC Kicks Off Monday Night Football Tour

• Interactive event lets fans find out if their football skills are Professional Grade
• Tour stops include United Way community projects in nine cities

DETROIT – GMC, together with the NFL, will launch its second annual Monday Night Football Tour this weekend undertaking United Way community projects in Dallas, followed by Tampa Bay, Detroit, New York City, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Boston, New Orleans and Seattle.

This year’s expanded tour program invites fans to test their football skills against the pros for a chance to win Monday Night Football game tickets, NFLshop.com gift cards and signed memorabilia. Fans can also meet current and former NFL players such as Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, Mike Alstott and Tony Dorsett, as well as ESPN Monday Night Football announcer Mike Tirico.

After testing their skills and meeting the pros, fans will have the opportunity to test drive the GMC Acadia, Sierra, Terrain and Yukon and discover why GMC is the official vehicle of the NFL. Go to MondayNightFootballTour.com to learn more and register for the event.

“GMC is taking its game plan for the Monday Night Football Tour to the next level by delivering a more engaging interactive event for NFL fans,” said Craig Bierley, GMC Advertising and Sales Promotion director. “In its first year, the tour helped GMC connect with NFL fans in a fun and engaging way. We’re looking to build on that success in 2011.”

As part of the tour, GMC is teaming up with United Way volunteers, including NFL players, to build playgrounds in local communities as part of United Way’s nationwide effort to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018.

The United Way Healthy Kids Zones—Driven by GMC will offer children the opportunity to climb, build upper body strength, promote balance and agility, and develop strength and endurance. The playground equipment, paid for by GMC and supplied by GameTime, is designed to help children develop active, healthy bodies, as well as personal and social skills.

“Experts recommend that young people engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes a day,” said Kitty Hsu Dana, vice president of Health at United Way Worldwide.  “This gift from GMC will offer thousands of children and families the opportunity to improve physical fitness with fun, interactive activities.”

Now in its 37th year, the NFL-United Way partnership connects NFL PLAY 60 with United Way's goal to increase youth health and wellness. Studies show the obesity rate among children has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, with approximately 9 million American children over six years old considered obese and at high risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

“GMC recognizes how important it is to raise awareness about the issue of childhood obesity and to create new opportunities for young people to lead healthier lifestyles,” Bierley said. “By working with the NFL and United Way, GMC is helping make communities stronger.”

TOUR SCHEDULE

GMC WEEKEND EVENT  DATES	MNF GAME DATE	UNITED WAY PROJECT DATE	NFL MARKET
September 24-25	September 26	September 27	Dallas
October  1-2	October  3	October 4	Tampa Bay
October 8-9	October 10	October 11	Detroit
October 15-16	October 17	October 18	New York City
October 29-30	October 31	November 1	Kansas City
November 5-6	November 7	November 7	Philadelphia
November 19-20	November 21	November 22	New England
November 26-27	November 28	November 29	New Orleans
December 10-11	December 12	December 13	Seattle

Terrain and Acadia Gain Ground in the Golden State

DETROIT – When Joanne Grimaldi, an avid cyclist from San Jose, Calif., decided to replace her pickup truck with a more fuel-efficient vehicle, she picked the GMC Terrain because it can haul multiple bicycles while offering an EPA-rated 32 mpg in highway driving.

“On our 200-mile bike rides, my friends and I take turns driving and biking, and I always get compliments about how nice the Terrain is to drive,” said Grimaldi, who rides with the Bay Area's Almaden Cycle Touring Club. “I really like the backup camera, leather interior, OnStar and hands-free control of my phone. Although I enjoyed driving a truck, I still feel like the Terrain gets respect on the roads, while getting better fuel economy.”

Grimaldi is one of many Californians discovering the benefits to owning a Terrain and other Professional Grade GMC vehicles. GMC sales are up 21 percent in the Golden State so far this year with Terrain sales up 39 percent.

Californians also are discovering the GMC Acadia crossover, sales of which are up 26 percent so far this year. The crossover gets better highway fuel range and offers more cargo space than Ford Explorer, and it has room for up to eight passengers.

“We’ve seen a lot of families gravitating from larger vehicles to Acadia and Terrain due to their fuel-efficiency, features and styling,” said Dick Stricklen, owner of Motor City Buick-GMC in Bakersfield. “Our Acadia sales alone have nearly doubled in the past two months, thanks in part to the upscale Denali model’s exclusive styling and premium content.”

Terrain and Acadia fueled GMC’s best sales month of the year in August and its 23^rd consecutive month of retail sales gains nationwide, with sales to individual customers up 26 percent and total sales up 40 percent year over year.

“As a long-time California resident, GMC's latest success is not a big surprise to me,” said James Bell, General Motors’ head of consumer affairs. “This brand has resonated well with the laid-back yet progressive lifestyle we have enjoyed out here for many years, but the Acadia and Terrain are the first GMC vehicles that merge our personalities with our environmental priorities.”

Terrain uses lightweight eco-friendly parts including a plant fiber-reinforced ceiling liner, recycled plastic from soft drink and water bottles in its rigid plastic grille frame, and recycled textile insulation in its carpet assembly, dashboard and cargo area. Acadia uses similar eco-friendly materials. Both vehicles are at least 85 percent recyclable by weight, with recyclable steel accounting for the greatest contribution.

GM facilities worldwide recycle 90 percent of the waste they generate. In 2010 alone, the automaker recycled or reused 2.5 million tons of waste materials at its plants worldwide – enough to fill 6.8 million extended-cab pickup trucks that, if parked end-to-end, would stretch around the world.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Sep/0902_gmc_cali

Terrain and Acadia Gain Ground in the Golden State

DETROIT – When Joanne Grimaldi, an avid cyclist from San Jose, Calif., decided to replace her pickup truck with a more fuel-efficient vehicle, she picked the GMC Terrain because it can haul multiple bicycles while offering an EPA-rated 32 mpg in highway driving.

“On our 200-mile bike rides, my friends and I take turns driving and biking, and I always get compliments about how nice the Terrain is to drive,” said Grimaldi, who rides with the Bay Area's Almaden Cycle Touring Club. “I really like the backup camera, leather interior, OnStar and hands-free control of my phone. Although I enjoyed driving a truck, I still feel like the Terrain gets respect on the roads, while getting better fuel economy.”

Grimaldi is one of many Californians discovering the benefits to owning a Terrain and other Professional Grade GMC vehicles. GMC sales are up 21 percent in the Golden State so far this year with Terrain sales up 39 percent.

Californians also are discovering the GMC Acadia crossover, sales of which are up 26 percent so far this year. The crossover gets better highway fuel range and offers more cargo space than Ford Explorer, and it has room for up to eight passengers.

“We’ve seen a lot of families gravitating from larger vehicles to Acadia and Terrain due to their fuel-efficiency, features and styling,” said Dick Stricklen, owner of Motor City Buick-GMC in Bakersfield. “Our Acadia sales alone have nearly doubled in the past two months, thanks in part to the upscale Denali model’s exclusive styling and premium content.”

Terrain and Acadia fueled GMC’s best sales month of the year in August and its 23^rd consecutive month of retail sales gains nationwide, with sales to individual customers up 26 percent and total sales up 40 percent year over year.

“As a long-time California resident, GMC's latest success is not a big surprise to me,” said James Bell, General Motors’ head of consumer affairs. “This brand has resonated well with the laid-back yet progressive lifestyle we have enjoyed out here for many years, but the Acadia and Terrain are the first GMC vehicles that merge our personalities with our environmental priorities.”

Terrain uses lightweight eco-friendly parts including a plant fiber-reinforced ceiling liner, recycled plastic from soft drink and water bottles in its rigid plastic grille frame, and recycled textile insulation in its carpet assembly, dashboard and cargo area. Acadia uses similar eco-friendly materials. Both vehicles are at least 85 percent recyclable by weight, with recyclable steel accounting for the greatest contribution.

GM facilities worldwide recycle 90 percent of the waste they generate. In 2010 alone, the automaker recycled or reused 2.5 million tons of waste materials at its plants worldwide – enough to fill 6.8 million extended-cab pickup trucks that, if parked end-to-end, would stretch around the world.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Sep/0902_gmc_cali