GM has been working on eco-friendly vehicles for some time now. The Cruze Eco (which offers 42 mpg highway) and the Chevy Volt (a leader for electric cars) are a couple examples of their hard work.

GM just announced Chevrolet will start placing labels on the back window of all its new cars and trucks as a way to advertise the eco-friendly benefits of its vehicles. GM will start in March with the 2012 Chevy Sonic, placing the labels on the driver side rear window. The so-called “Ecologic” labels will start appearing on other 2013 Chevy vehicles later this year.

The labels will give buyers details on fuel-saving technologies, a vehicle’s recyclability at the end of its lifecycle, and green aspects to its manufacturing. The Chevrolet label differs from the Environmental Protection Agency window sticker, which is generated by the government to give buyers a way to compare fuel economy on new vehicles.

GM says it’s going the extra step to give consumers more information. The Sonic label, for instance, shows the car’s features, such as recyclability and technologies that contribute to fuel savings, along with benefits to the owner.

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

The label communicates vehicle-specific features in the following areas:

Media Source:

http://www.torquenews.com/119/2012-chevrolet-sonic-get-first-ecologic-label

www.chevy.com

http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2012/01/26/gm-launch-industrys-first-eco-label-cars

DETROIT – “Chevy Happy Grad,” an ad submitted by 26-year old Long Island resident Zach Borst, will be aired during the telecast of Super Bowl XLVI, beating out submissions by independent filmmakers from around the world as part of Chevrolet’s Route 66 Super Bowl ad contest.

The ads had more than 32 million total online views between December 22 and January 14.

“We asked filmmakers to depict life’s journey and how Chevrolet is there along the way,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “When I saw Zach’s spot, I had to laugh, because the situation is something many families can related to – expectation and reality. ‘Happy Grad’ clearly shows the passion that Chevrolet elicits.”

Borst’s audience on Super Bowl Sunday is expected to exceed 110 million television viewers. “Chevy Happy Grad” was filmed on location near his home on Long Island during a weather window that offered Zach, his cast and crew only four hours to complete the project.

“My Dad was a cop and worked real hard to be able to buy his kids their first cars. They were used, but mine meant the world to me,” Borst said. “Then I wondered what it would look like if I got a brand new Camaro? I mean, after all, who wouldn’t want a Camaro as a graduation gift?”

Borst, an aspiring filmmaker, has been producing films since his childhood and founded his own production company, Goat Farm Films, based in New York.

During Chevrolet’s Route 66 Super Bowl ad contest, filmmakers from 32 countries submitted 400 scripts and 198 films for consideration. “Chevy Happy Grad” and other ads from the contest can be viewed at Chevrolet’s You Tube channel.

Media Source:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/gm-chooses-chevy-happy-grad-for-super-bowl-ad/

You drive the same roads to and from work everyday, so you know where the usual bumps, manholes and potholes are from having to swerve around them all the time. The winter can be a little tricky though! In my case, I was coming home from work and, out of nowhere, hit a massive pothole that was covered by snow. With the sound my car made when it hit the pothole, I had a hunch I would have a flat tire very quickly. Sure enough, I did. I also ended up with a bent rim! There was not much I could do to avoid this pothole encounter, but the Jack Maxton Service Department wants to give you a little advice to avoid them as much as possible.

1. Make sure you are paying attention to the vehicles in front of you.  If you see them hit a pothole, try to safely swerve to miss it yourself. Like me, some will end up with a flat tire. Be cautious of the car in front of you that hit the hole, as they may end up with a blown-out tire. Also, watch the overall traffic flow. If you find that everyone in front of you is making an unexpected detour, take notice. They may be swerving to avoiding a pothole in the road.

2. Make mental notes. As you drive back on forth on roads frequently traveled, make a mental note of the potholes. Sometimes, the city does a quick patch job. At best, the patch lasts a couple weeks. As it snows and becomes icy, the asphalt patch will began to chip away.

3. Beware of puddles. As the snow starts to melt the innocent puddle ahead is a lot deeper than you may think. Slow down and try to swerve around it as safely as possible. Hitting a hole at top speed can actually damage your vehicle’s tires, chassis and possibly suspension.

4. Check with your Department of Transportation. Some state websites have a “report-a-pothole” feature. Check with the city’s website before you go on a trip using unknown roads. Although seldom, the city you live in may reimburse you for damage done to your car from a pothole.

Source:

How to Avoid Potholes | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2121626_avoid-potholes.html#ixzz1jePBJOzt

The 427 edition of the 2013 Corvette has a 427-cubic-inch LS7 engine borrowed from the Z06, and it’s rated at 505 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Photo credit: CHEVROLET

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

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.

Source: http://www.autonews.com/article/20120112/OEM04/120119922#ixzz1jKoP3P5o 

Nevertheless, how does Chevy Sonic marketing lead to a huge claw game in the middle of Hollywood?

Well, let’s first start with some things the Sonic has done that other cars would not dare do. Chevy doesn’t think for a second that consumers are going to be doing these stunts, but it does show the fun versatility for  trained professionals. Let’s not forget, we all like to see outrageous stunts! Sometimes being the first means you need to be the first to jump out of a plane in the middle of a desert. Or perhaps, jumping off a stack of shipping containers and dipping your nose into a kiddie pool!

These events are pretty daring and insane, but there is one that takes the cake. Rob Dyrdek, the famous skateboarder and MTV star, teamed up with Chevy to pull off a radical flip. Rob is a fan of Chevy and owns a 1969 Camaro as well as a Tahoe. Chevy made modifications to his Sonic for the big jump calling it “Super Sonic Rob.”

“Chevrolet partnered with MTV’s Rob Dyrdek to reach a youthful and adventurous audience. Many of these people are experiencing some of their lives’ biggest ‘firsts,’ and the Sonic is right there with them to do things that have never been done before,” said Kevin Mayer, director of Chevrolet advertising and sales promotion.

Although Sonic is doing some shocking aerobatics, its’ safety features are award winning. The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic received a 5-star overall vehicle score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These are the highest ratings possible! It may be a compact car but it offers an exceptionally strong body structure. The Sonic is designed to help drivers avoid crashes and also protect occupants in the event a crash does occur. How does a car do that? With StabiliTrak electronic stability control! This helps the driver maintain control by comparing the path being steered by the driver with the actual response and, when necessary, applying the brakes or adjusting the throttle or a combination of both.

The driver and passengers are also protected with driver and front passenger dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side pelvic/thorax air bags, knee air bags and head curtain side air bags with rollover protection that cover front and outboard rear seating rows. The Sonic also has side impact air bags in the outboard rear seating positions for a total of ten standard air bags.

There will be no shortage of excitement in the 2013 model either! The youthful crowd will absolutely love the improved sportier look of the new Sonic with a seven-inch color touch screen radio, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels and the same 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The car, pricing from $13,735 – $18,430, also allows drivers to use navigation applications on their smart phones and project those directions on the screen! Jack Maxton Chevrolet is featuring the 2012 Sonic on the showroom now. The 2013 model will be coming in late summer 2012. Visit www.jackmaxton.com for more information.

While visiting the Paxton family, the Westerville PD asked if there was anything they could help with besides toys and food for his family. Julian asked if someone might take a look at the family car that was not running. Westerville PD gladly had the car inspected and learned it needed a new motor. They really wanted to reach out to this family, so they sent out an email blast with hopes of finding a possible donation. The response was not very good until one day, out of nowhere, a call came in. A very kind woman called to say she’d heard about a Veteran and his family who were in need of a car. She proceeded to say she had a check at her house if someone would be kind enough to pick it up, she’d like to help this veteran. The Westerville PD was astonished.

The Police Department reached out to Jack Maxton Chevrolet. They called and asked for help with the purchase of a car for this family. After days of research the Used Car Manager Doug Williams, and Sales Specialist Donna Edwards found the perfect vehicle. They were overjoyed to help this family in need.

The next day, Westerville PD made arrangements for Julian to ride along with an officer for a day. When the ride ended, the officer took Julian back to the station for their annual Christmas luncheon. The Jack Maxton Chevrolet employees took the vehicle to the stationhouse for this special surprise delivery. When the luncheon was over, they presented the car to an unsuspecting Julian. He was totally surprised and there was not a dry eye in the building. The employees from Jack Maxton said it was one of the best things they had ever been a part of and we want to thank all who had a part in this special holiday delivery.

 On average, the amount of time spent in a car is around 274 hours per year. Your vehicle has to be comfortable and practical. Chevrolet has been doing particularly nice work with interiors and theMalibucontinues that trend. Of course there’s always plenty of personal opinion when it comes to interiors, but thisMalibuis up near the top. The center console is topped with a larger screen you can flip up to find a useful bits and pieces bin. Downward are the sound system controls with their logical twist knobs for volume and tuning.

Chevrolet will offer the Malibuwith its MyLink, Chevy’s big step into in-vehicle wireless connectivity and technology. MyLink perfectly integrates online services such as Pandora ® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio ®­ using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones. “Car buyers considering the all-new 2013 Chevy Malibu don’t have to settle for mass market radio,” said Jon Hahn,Malibu marketing manager. “They want the option to create their own individual stations and have access to them wherever they are.”

­­­­Chevy fans were celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary on Pandora with a dedicated Chevrolet station playing the Top 100 songs mentioning the brand. You can visit www.Pandora.com/chevy100. MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smart phones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. The Malibu Eco comes with MyLink standard, along with a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.

What makes it go? Malibu Eco is powered by General Motors’ eAssist setup. A 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 182 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, 172 pounds-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm, is mated with a 15-hp/79 lbs.-ft. electric motor that moves the car momentarily before the gas engine restarts and takes over after extended stops. Electric also provides acceleration boost. Six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

The 2013 Malibuwill be at Jack Maxton Chevrolet the spring of 2012. We are excited to show off the body style and technology we keep reading about. Have any questions? Send us a tweet @JackMaxtonChevrolet or email us at sales@jackmaxton.com!  You can also visit www.jackmaxton.com for more information about inventory and details about Jack Maxton Chevrolet.

http://www.usatoday.com/malibu

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1112_2013_chevrolet_malibu_eco_driven/index.html

http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/chevrolet/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-review-1838.html

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111215/CARREVIEWS/111219932

Not only was it uplifting to raise funds for a worthy cause like the Arthritis Foundation, we learned how donations help patients like a teenager named Makayla. Makayla was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the young age of 3. Suffering from this particular form of arthritis means she is afflicted in 5 or more joints, equally on both sides of her body. The disease affects her eyesight. Aside from various daily medications, 14-year-old Makayla makes monthly visits to Children’s Hospital inColumbus,Ohioto receive her treatments. Medication is given by infusion through a port. In addition, she receives steroid injections every 4 to 6 months in the joints of her wrists, hips, knees and ankles.

Makayla is not able to do many of the things like other teenagers her age. She cannot attend public school and is taught through home school instruction. She cannot play sports, take dance or run track. This is a hard reality for a child of her age. Still, Makayla is a positive, strong young lady who will warm your heart. She has dreams to someday become a veterinarian.  We have dreams to someday cure arthritis.

To date, the 2011 Jingle Bells Run has raised $205,656 for the Arthritis Foundation! We were very happy to participate in the race and help people like Makayla.

Please visit us on our Facebook page to see what event we are planning next! http://www.facebook.com/#!/jackmaxtonchevy

Most kids enjoy a coloring book and crayons.   But, can you imagine crayons being the most popular “toy” in the early 1900’s? It is true. Crayola has been around since 1903! Notice the eight color selection.  
 

1915, on the other hand, had a totally different twist! This is the year of famous Raggedy Ann, and she is still popular today, as a doll and even a Halloween costume.

1929 – Yo-Yo

Countless hours were spent on not walking your own dog, but learning the trick “walk the dog” with a yo-yo.

1938 – View-Master

Can you imagine what parents were thinking when this came out?  “What will they think of next?” Then, they made the View-Master in 3D!

1947 – Scrabble

Still a fun and challenging game today!

1952 – Mr. Potato Head

Who knew he would be one of the most popular animated characters in Toy Story 43 years later?

1960 – Etch-A-Sketch

I don’t know about you, but a wall size Etch-A-Sketch would beat a video game any day! Think of the possibilities…

1978 – Rubik’s Cube

First of the brain teaser games, it was followed by Simon and the Bop-It.

1983 – The Cabbage Patch Kid

At the peak of their popularity, the dolls were a must-have toy for Christmas. Parents across theUnited Statesflocked to stores to try to obtain one of the Cabbage Patch Kids for their children, with fights occasionally erupting between parents over the hard-to-find dolls. In later years, Coleco introduced variants on the original Cabbage Patch Kids, and derivatives of the original line of dolls continued to be marketed. Hailey Theeuwen was the first known Cabbage Patch doll.

1996 – Tickle Me Elmo

Another toy that made the news in the middle 90’s! It was nearly impossible at the time to purchase the toy at Christmas time. Some people paid up to $300 on eBay.

2006 – Nintendo Wii

Not only was it groundbreaking for video games, it enticed parents to become involved in the fun with games like tennis and bowling.

2010 – Anything Lego!

Kids bring this toy to life! Popular in decades past, the toy was made trendy again with new different shapes of Lego’s and mechanical moving parts kids can control.

So there you have it: a look back in time at some of the most popular toys under the Christmas tree in years past. Every child should have the opportunity to open a gift. You can drop off your unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots in the New Car Showroom, Jack Maxton Chevrolet,700 E. Dublin-Granville Road,Worthington,Ohio43081. Have a Happy Holiday!

Giving a set of keys to a teen-ager can flood the parent of even the most cautious new driver with fear. Now a new study shows that the safest kind of vehicle for teen drivers might be a big sport utility vehicle.
The research comes from the Highway Loss Data Institute, a firm run by insurance companies to find ways of reducing crashes and deaths. Using five years’ worth of insurance claims from 2005 to 2010, the HLDI compared the collision rates between adults drivers between 35 and 60 years old and teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19.
Regardless of the kind of vehicle involved, the HLDI logically found that teens had accidents at a higher rate than adults. For the sliver of teen-agers who somehow find their way to the seat of a supersport motorcycle, the institute found they were more than four times as likely to get into a crash than an older driver. In vehicles with four wheels, teen drivers were up to 2.5 times more likely to have an accident in sports cars.
What surprised researchers was that the crash rate for teens in small cars of all types was still much higher than average — roughly twice as high as adults in the same vehicles, and only slightly lower than the rise of driving a regular motorcycle.  Kim Hazelbaker, senior vice president of HLDI, said in an institute report that small cars may be less forgiving in sudden maneuvers, or that teens may be encouraged to take more risks due to the car’s size.
The lowest risk vehicle for a teen driver? Large and luxury SUVs, where the crash rates for youths were as little as 10% greater than for adults, and posed a lower crash risk than all but the largest cars.
The reason for the gap? Technology. The HLDI study analyzed claims from vehicles newer than the 2006 model year. By that time, large SUVs came standard with electronic stability control — systems that keep vehicles from skidding in emergency maneuvers which has been shown to drastically reduce crashes — while in many cars the tech was still an option, especially smaller, cheaper models that teens often drive. As of the 2012 model year, all vehicles sold in the United States are required by law to offer ESC standard.
Other HLDI studies have shown newer SUVs also do a better job of protecting passengers from injuries and death in crashes than smaller cars and pickups. It defies parental logic to think the safest ride for a 16-year-old might be a two-ton truck, and no vehicle can keep all reckless drivers from harming themselves or others, but for some teens the best answer to driving safely may be to go big.

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/why-the-safest-car-for-a-teen-driver-may-be-a-big-suv.html