GM Continues Renewable Energy Goals with Pledge for 100 Percent by 2050


General Motors commits to powering all operations with renewable energy sources.

General Motors Co., a founding member of the global organization, Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance and Business Renewables Center, and one of the first corporations to sign on to the Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles, has taken the next step towards achieving their goal to decrease the company’s carbon footprint.

The vehicle manufacturing company has recently pledged that it will be generating all sources of power for its 350 operations in 59 countries with wind, sun and landfill gas power by 2050. This commitment follows the company’s earlier goals to promote the use of 125 megawatts of renewable energy in all its facilities by 2020.

“This bold and ambitious commitment from General Motors will undoubtedly catch the attention of the global automotive industry,” said North America Executive Director at The Climate Group, Amy Davidsen.

Indeed, the company has been at the forefront of the pursuit for renewable energy for quite some time, pioneering the use of renewable energy for over 20 years with facilities that are already partly powered by solar, landfill gas and wind sources. Furthermore, GM’s extensive work with battery-operated electric vehicles has made them experts in energy storage and reuse.

“GM has already saved millions of dollars by using renewable energy, and like any smart business that recognizes an investment opportunity, they want to seize it fully. We hope that through this leadership, other heavy manufacturing companies will be inspired to make the switch too,” says Davidsen.

“Establishing a 100 percent renewable energy goal helps us better serve society by reducing environmental impact,” said GM Chairman and CEO, Mary Barra. “This pursuit of renewable energy benefits our customers and communities through cleaner air while strengthening our business through lower and more stable energy costs.”

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio.

 

5 places to go in your Chevrolet


Take a drive in your Chevrolet – 5 Places to Go Canoeing or Kayaking in Ohio 


Though they may be pretty far from both the East and West Coasts, Ohioans still have plenty of water activities to keep them cool and active during the summertime.

From Lake Erie to the Ohio River, the Buckeye State is full of scenic creeks and waterways that are perfect for paddling. Here are just some of the best places in the state to go canoeing or kayaking.

Mohican River

The village of Loudonville, which is located in between Cleveland and Columbus, has actually earned the nickname “Canoe Capital of Ohio” due to the many liveries located along the Mohican River. Paddling down the river will take you through the beautiful Mohican State Park, which contains three separate camping areas for those looking to turn their trip to Loudonville into a weekend-long getaway. And with nearby hiking trails and zip-lining available, there is no reason not to make the most of your visit. Get a list of nearby rental facilities at http://discovermohican.com/what-to-do.php?UID=24.

Lake Erie

There are many potential launching off points for those looking to paddle Lake Erie, but perhaps the most scenic is found in the Marblehead area. On a clear day, those canoeing and kayaking off the shores of Marblehead will enjoy views of the historic Perry’s Monument on South Bass Island, the towering roller coasters at Cedar Point and the picturesque Marblehead Lighthouse which stands on the rocky shores of the peninsula. For those who do not own their own canoe or kayak, there are many boat rental services in the area, including Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals and Kayak the Bay, Ltd on South Bass Island. Learn more about paddling in this area at http://paddling.net/places/showReport.html?2078.

Big Darby Creek

Central Ohio’s Big Darby Creek runs 84 miles from Champaign County down to Franklin County. One of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in all of the Midwest, the river is home to the only known population of the Scioto madtom species of fish. Those paddling Big Darby Creek should be sure to stop in Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, which is home to bison and other fascinating wildlife. Trapper John’s Canoe Livery in Grove City is one of the most popular boat rental services in the area, and trips and pricing can be found at http://trapperjohnscanoeing.com/#!trips/czpx.

Little Miami River

The 111-mile Little Miami River flows through five counties in southwestern Ohio, beginning in Clark County and emptying into the Ohio River. One of the best stretches of the Little Miami can be enjoyed at Scenic River Canoe Excursions, located in the Greater Cincinnati area. Scenic River Canoe Excursions offers group outings and canoe, kayak and tube rentals for a peaceful, relaxing paddle down one of the state’s most beautiful waterways. To learn more, visit http://scenicrivercanoe.com/.

Hocking River

The rolling Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio provide some of the most beautiful views in all of Appalachia. While most residents, visitors and students at the nearby Ohio University have hiked through Hocking Hills State Park at one time or another, fewer have experienced the pleasure of paddling down the Hocking River. Fox’s Hocking Hills Canoe Livery in Logan rents out canoes, kayaks and rafts to those wishing to explore the Hocking River, while also providing campsites, cabins and fun Moonlight Tours. For more information, visit http://hockingriver.com/.

From the Big Darby Creek to the Little Miami River, there are waterways of all shapes and sizes in Ohio just waiting to be explored. Hop into a kayak or canoe and paddle your way through some of these scenic spots.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio

 

Vehicle Preview: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV


An attainable long-range electric vehicle

Chevrolet is set to change the automotive landscape yet again when the all-new Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale later this year here at Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is all new and changes the perception that an electric vehicle has to be expensive. And since it’s a Chevrolet, you know every detail has been obsessed over, and it will bring the reliability and dependability you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet. The Bolt will bring an estimated 200+ mile range per charge, and feature the connectivity, amenities and safety you demand too.

“It was less than a year ago that we revealed the Bolt EV concept and promised to deliver a long-range electric vehicle attainable by the masses,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a press release. “The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing, advanced GPS routing and gamification, all designed to enhance the ownership experience now and into the future.”

Designed from the ground up, the Bolt balances a wind defying shape with a bold stance. Sculpted bodysides, strong wheel arches, and a flat underbody do their part in helping cheat the wind for excellent aerodynamics.

There will be room for five adults, and a clever interior with fold-flat seats and an available hidden storage compartment help unlocks a maximum 56.6 of cargo space. The Bolt will also feature the latest in Chevrolet technology and connectivity with a 10.2-inch MyLink color touchscreen display, the Rear Camera Mirror, and a Surround Vision System.

Chevrolet designed the Bolt with the feedback and suggestions from the Volt owners and you’ll find Bluetooth low-energy, as well as more accurate driving range projections. And many technologies will be supported by OnStar 4G LTE, including the all-new MyChevrolet Mobile app that lets you remotely start the Bolt, as well as vehicle charge status, cabin pre-conditioning and more. There will also be a “gamification” function that lets you compete with other drivers to see who’s driving most efficiently.

Charging the Bolt is a breeze and when you use an available 240-volt charging unit, you can expect about 25 miles per hour of charge, with a full charge in around nine hours. The battery itself is a nickel-rich lithium-ion battery that manages its temperature for better performance, and the innovative battery cell arrangement maximizes interior space. Its central location gives it an optimal center of gravity for solid ride and handling.

You also get all the safety features you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet including 10 airbags, a high-strength steel frame, and the safety and security of OnStar all standard. Advanced features like Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Pdestrian Alert are all available as well.

More details will be unveiled in the coming months so stay tuned, and if you’d like to know more, let us know and we’ll let you be among the first to see it in person when it arrives in the coming months.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio. http://www.jackmaxton.com 

Vehicle Preview: 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV


An attainable long-range electric vehicle

Chevrolet is set to change the automotive landscape yet again when the all-new Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale later this year here at Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt is all new and changes the perception that an electric vehicle has to be expensive. And since it’s a Chevrolet, you know every detail has been obsessed over, and it will bring the reliability and dependability you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet. The Bolt will bring an estimated 200+ mile range per charge, and feature the connectivity, amenities and safety you demand too.

“It was less than a year ago that we revealed the Bolt EV concept and promised to deliver a long-range electric vehicle attainable by the masses,” GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said in a press release. “The Bolt EV is capable of using the latest mobile app technology to enable car sharing, advanced GPS routing and gamification, all designed to enhance the ownership experience now and into the future.”

Designed from the ground up, the Bolt balances a wind defying shape with a bold stance. Sculpted bodysides, strong wheel arches, and a flat underbody do their part in helping cheat the wind for excellent aerodynamics.

There will be room for five adults, and a clever interior with fold-flat seats and an available hidden storage compartment help unlocks a maximum 56.6 of cargo space. The Bolt will also feature the latest in Chevrolet technology and connectivity with a 10.2-inch MyLink color touchscreen display, the Rear Camera Mirror, and a Surround Vision System.

Chevrolet designed the Bolt with the feedback and suggestions from the Volt owners and you’ll find Bluetooth low-energy, as well as more accurate driving range projections. And many technologies will be supported by OnStar 4G LTE, including the all-new MyChevrolet Mobile app that lets you remotely start the Bolt, as well as vehicle charge status, cabin pre-conditioning and more. There will also be a “gamification” function that lets you compete with other drivers to see who’s driving most efficiently.

Charging the Bolt is a breeze and when you use an available 240-volt charging unit, you can expect about 25 miles per hour of charge, with a full charge in around nine hours. The battery itself is a nickel-rich lithium-ion battery that manages its temperature for better performance, and the innovative battery cell arrangement maximizes interior space. Its central location gives it an optimal center of gravity for solid ride and handling.

You also get all the safety features you’ve come to expect from Chevrolet including 10 airbags, a high-strength steel frame, and the safety and security of OnStar all standard. Advanced features like Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Pdestrian Alert are all available as well.

More details will be unveiled in the coming months so stay tuned, and if you’d like to know more, let us know and we’ll let you be among the first to see it in person when it arrives in the coming months.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio. http://www.jackmaxton.com 

Car Care: Give Your Car Its Spring Physical


It’s the right time to have your vehicle serviced

Today’s cars and trucks last longer than ever. They are generally more trouble-free than ever before, also, and the best way to keep them that way is the automotive equivalent of a physical. Just as your doctor checks over your systems and structure, your dealership’s service department will look over your vehicle with expert eyes.

Don’t wait until a “Service Engine Soon” warning pops up on the instrument panel or a tire blows out. By then, it may be too late to avoid an expensive repair or considerable inconvenience. Prevent problems on the road with a spring checkup. Here are some items that should be included.

Electrical System: Your car’s battery and alternator should be checked to be sure the charging system is up to snuff, the battery is within its serviceable lifespan and has enough reserve, and all cables and connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Belts should also be checked for tightness, cracks and excessive wear, as a broken belt will stop you in your tracks.

Tires and Wheels: Whack a few killer potholes lately? Modern tires are also better than ever before, but you need to keep an eye out for problems that can lead to tire failure. Have a trained technician examine your tires for cuts in the tread or sidewalls, bulges, bubbles, dry rot, signs of belt separation or other problems that could leave you stranded, and make sure tires are properly inflated. Wheel damage is common, too, so be sure to include them in the inspection.

Suspension and Alignment: At the same time your tires and wheels are inspected, your suspension and wheel alignment should also be examined. Shock absorbers can fail, steering components can bend or become loose, and bushings can wear out. Winter conditions can be hard on the parts designed to support you, as can rough roads or frequent trips into the back country. For predictable handling, even tire wear and maximum fuel efficiency, it’s important that all four wheels––not just the drive wheels–– are properly aligned. If you can’t remember the last time you had it done, now is the time to have an alignment performed. Your tires will last longer and you’ll avoid spending the extra money at the pump that can result from misaligned wheels.

Fluid Levels and Filters: Because today’s cars can click off tens of thousands of miles without problems, it can be easy to forget about checking, topping off and replacing its vital fluids. Coolant and brake fluid both have finite lifespans and require replacement, as indicated in your owner’s manual. Your dealership’s technicians have special tools to check the age and protection level of the engine coolant, and they’ll also have the coolant specified by the manufacturer for use in your car. Brake fluid needs attention as well, and your routine driving conditions––frequent towing, heavy stop-and-go driving, etc.––can make it necessary to have these systems serviced more frequently than indicated in the manufacturer’s basic schedule.

Spring is a great time to treat your car to an oil and filter change. Whether it’s hot or cold where you live, idling a lot, sub-zero temperatures or excessively hot conditions can all degrade engine oil, leaving delicate components more vulnerable to premature wear and corrosion. Moisture and acids can build up in the oil, as well, so getting it changed in the spring ensures proper protection. Don’t forget to have the engine’s air filter and, if equipped, the cabin air filter checked and replaced if needed. Also remember that necessary chassis lubrication is part of the usual “L.O.F.,” or “Lube, Oil, Filter,” service. Those parts are especially susceptible to wear and corrosion, whether salt is used on the roads where you live or not.

As the seasons change again, it’s a great time to rejuvenate your automobile. Good planning and preventative maintenance can ensure a worry-free summer ahead.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio.

OnStar AtYourService Partners With Groupon and ExxonMobil


OnStar AtYourService Partners With Groupon and ExxonMobil

New joint venture allows for more savings and convenience

Owners of GM vehicles who have OnStar AtYourService are in for some good news: This multichannel platform, which provides users with money-saving offers, has officially signed on with Groupon and ExxonMobil as its newest partners, providing consumers even greater savings on an array of new products and services.

In addition, even more useful functions will be added later in the year with RemoteLink and future vehicle owner apps, allowing users to utilize mobile ordering, mobile payments and fuel pump activations with participating AtYourService partners.

“The AtYourService platform is all about delivering daily relevance and value to our connected customers, enhancing their ownership experience,” said Mark Lloyd, consumer online officer with OnStar. “Integrating great new partners like Groupon and ExxonMobil helps us deliver content and services that simplify our customers’ lives and save them money.”

With the addition of Groupon, new and exciting offers for places such as restaurants, salons, spas and retailers will be added to the platform, which are offered to users based on the phone’s location. Also new will be active Groupon promotions as a separate search category, which will help users find offers from local businesses. In addition, new fuel and convenience store offers will be incorporated by ExxonMobil beginning early this year.

Just some of the companies with offers on AtYourService include Dunkin’ Donuts, Priceline.com, Parkopedia, RetailMeNot and Audiobooks.com.

Just in the last quarter of 2015, AtYourService opened more than 130,000 money-saving offers. And, since its launch, more than 6,400 hotel reservations were made through a joint venture with Priceline.com.

GM continues to provide more value for its owners and with their latest venture. For more information about OnStar, AtYourService and RemoteLink, visit http://www.onstar.com or stop by and let us explain more.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio. http://www.jackmaxton.com 

Why do we recommend ACDelco dexos™1 certified engine oil?


DexosGM dexos™ Engine Oil Increases Engine Efficiency New for the 2011 model year, GM will introduce ACDelco dexos™1 certified engine oil as a factory fill and service fill for its gasoline engines worldwide. The new engine oil specification has been developed to help meet the increased demands for enhanced engine efficiency. dexos™ oil helps deliver increased fuel efficiency and reduced engine emissions. dexos™ is a GM proprietary engine oil specification that has been designed to:

  • Further improve fuel economy (to meet future Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, requirements) and fuel economy retention through improved viscometric properties that create less friction in the engine, which allows the oil to maintain its fuel economy benefits throughout the longer life of the oil
  • Provide a more robust formulation for added engine protection that offers improved oxidation and deposit-forming tendencies and aeration performance, which enables fuel-saving devices, such as January / February I 2011 January / February 2011 ACDelco News Page 2 Variable Valve Timing, to work optimally
  • Support GM’s Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) by resisting degradation between oil changes
  • Ensure worldwide availability of equal quality oil while reducing the duplication of a large number of internal GM engine oil specifications, replacing GM specifications GMLL-A-025, GM6094M and GM4718M. dexos™1 also is backward compatible for older vehicles; however, the owner manual oil specification in prior model years remains acceptable.

dexos™ Classifications

The dexos™ specification includes two classifications.

  1. GM will require dexos™1 for global factory fill in spark ignited engines worldwide and service fill for gasoline engines worldwide. It will replace the GM6094M specification for most GM gasoline engines.
  2. dexos™2, required for diesel engines as well as a service fill for gasoline engines in Europe, was introduced in Europe late last year.

GF-5 Standard

In addition to GM dexos™, a new International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) standard, GF-5, was introduced in 2010. There is a new API engine oil service category – SN Resource Conserving. The current GF-4 standard was put in place in 2004. The GF- 5 standard will use a new engine fuel economy test, called Sequence VID (six D), which provides a statistically significant increase in fuel economy versus the Sequence VIB (six B) test that was used for GF-4. Like dexos™, the new ILSAC GF-5 standard will call for more sophisticated additives.

It’s expected that all dexos™1 approved oils will meet GF-5. However, not all GF-5 engine oils will necessarily meet the dexos™ specification.

Fuel Economy

Since CAFE standards were first introduced in 1974, the fuel economy of cars has more than doubled, while the fuel economy of light trucks has increased by more than 50 percent. Proposed CAFE standards call for a continuation of increased fuel economy in new cars and trucks. To meet these future requirements, all vehicle operation aspects are being looked at more critically than ever before.

New technology being introduced in GM vehicles designed to address vehicle efficiency and fuel economy include direct injection, cam phasing, turbocharging and Active Fuel Management. The demands of these technologies on engine oil also are taken into consideration when determining new oil specifications. Active Fuel Management, for example, can help to achieve improved fuel economy, however, alternately starting and stopping cylinders puts a lot of stress on engine oil.

To meet tough fuel economy mandates, the industry will shift toward lower viscosity oils. Testing has shown that thinner 0W-20 oil, for example, can provide as much as a 4-percent improvement in fuel economy over 15W-40 oil.

dexos™1 will be offered in these viscosities: SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30. dexos2™ will be available in SAE 5W-30, 0W-40 and 5W-40. Please check the appropriate vehicle owner manual for the proper viscosity grade.

Increased Service Intervals

To help reduce the consumption of oil while maintaining proper engine protection, many GM vehicles equipped with the GM OLMS have a maximum oil change interval that is much longer than what was considered a normal interval just a few years ago.

ACDelco News Page 3 If all GM vehicle owners follow the OLMS intervals in their vehicles as intended, GM estimates that more than 100 million gallons of oil could be saved annually.

The second generation OLMS will rely on significantly more engine operating information than the current system, which, combined with dexos™ certified oil, could allow a significant extension of the maximum oil change interval. dexos™ specifications call for improved oil robustness to support extended drain intervals over a vehicle’s lifetime.

When the OLMS determines that an oil and filter change is needed, the driver is notified by a Change Oil message on the instrument panel. The oil change should be performed within 600 miles (1,000 km). The OLMS must be manually reset when the oil is changed.

dexos™1 Availability: Currently, ACDelco Synthetic Blend dexos™1 5W30 engine oil is available through the GM Oil Program in 55 gallon drums (which can be pumped into bulk tanks). Quart-size packaged product is now available. Orders may be placed through your local ACDelco oil distributor http://www.jackmaxton.com.

More Information can be found at

http://www.acdelcotechconnect.com/pdf/newsletters-press-releases/acdelco/2011/11jti-007-acdelco-news-2011.pdf

Car Care: Back to School Maintenance


Routine maintenance will help your vehicle run smoothly for the entire school year

A woman calls for assistance using her mobile phone, after her car broke down on the road side

Whether you’re ferrying a brood to preschool or sending an older child off to college this fall, it’s a great time of year to check out your vehicle. The last thing you need in the middle of the term is the distraction of car trouble. While you take the time to check off the school supply list, here are a few items to ensure your vehicle can keep up with you.

Check the lights: It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to walk around the car in the driveway and make sure everything that lights up or blinks does what it should. It’s not uncommon for position lamps or directional indicators to have blown bulbs without the driver noticing. Don’t forget to check the headlamps, taillamps and brake lamps. Get a helper to make it go faster.

Check the tires: This is another inspection that’s pretty quick. Start with the visuals. Are there obvious nicks or cuts in the sidewall or the tread? Any signs of impact? Look at the tread itself. Is there good tread depth? Is tread evenly worn? If wear isn’t even, it means there could be an alignment problem that can be both costly and dangerous. Get yourself a tire pressure gauge and make sure tires are inflated to the level the manufacturer recommends. All cars have a conspicuously located sticker, often on a door jamb or under the fuel filler cap, with recommended tire pressure. Check your owner’s manual if you can’t find it. Finding anything lodged in the tire or obvious bubbles in the sidewall should send you immediately to get repair.

Check the fluids: Coolant, oil, transmission fluid. These are the lifeblood of your car. Make sure you check them properly and fill as needed. Winter will be here sooner than you think, so don’t forget to top off the windshield washer fluid and put a spare bottle in the car, along with an ice scraper and snow brush. If you don’t want to maintain fluids yourself, your dealer’s service department can make sure everything is as it should be. It can also be convenient to roll this whole exercise into an oil and filter change.

Replace the wiper blades: Most people can’t tell you the last time they replaced their windshield wiper blades. These little strips of rubber are crucial pieces of safety equipment when it rains, sleets and snows. If you don’t know when the last time you changed them was, or if they are leaving streaks or making annoying noises as they wipe, it’s time to change them. Reduced visibility due to defective equipment is a totally preventable hazard.

Other checks: The back-to-school season may coincide with your vehicle’s service schedule. Roll it all together into a single visit, and make sure your vehicle has attention paid to all these areas and whatever else your manufacturer recommends. Going in for an oil change, check of the brakes, suspension, and steering components, and a general once-over is a good way to make sure you and your passengers stay safe.

If you have any questions, or you simply prefer the experts here at the dealership to perform the work, stop by today.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio http://www.jackmaxton.com

Vehicle Preview: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu


2016-chevrolet-malibu-reveal-intro-video-1480x551-001

All-new premium design that’s longer, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient

An American classic for more than 50 years, the Chevrolet Malibu is completely new for 2016, from the ground up. Longer, roomier and significantly lighter than before, the exciting 2016 Malibu is also more efficient, and it’s packed with new features and innovative new connectivity and technology. There’s also a new Malibu model for 2016 – the exceptionally efficient Malibu Hybrid.

“Midsize car customers tell us they want great fuel economy and connected technologies, wrapped in a gorgeous exterior. This is exactly what the 2016 Malibu was engineered to do,” said Malibu Chief Engineer Jesse Ortega.

Available in L, LS, LT and Premier trims, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu sits on a new wheelbase that’s 3.6 inches longer than previously. It’s 2.3 inches longer overall, and it’s also nearly 300 pounds lighter. These changes equate to greater driving comfort, more interior space, better handling agility and improved fuel economy.

Debuting a new hybrid powertrain that was developed using knowledge gained from the plug-in Volt hybrid, the front-wheel drive 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will deliver a GM-estimated 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined, economy unsurpassed in the segment, and it can travel up to 55 mph on electric power alone. The Malibu Hybrid powertrain includes an all-new direct-injection 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a two-motor drive unit similar to the one in the 2016 Volt, and an 80-cell, 1.5-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 182 hp.

The non-hybrid 2016 Malibu is standard with an all-new 1.5-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine. Lightweight and powerful, the turbocharged 1.5-liter produces 160 hp and 184 lb/ft of torque – torque comparable to that of the outgoing 2.5-liter four-cylinder, in a vehicle almost 300 pounds lighter. Fuel-saving engine start/stop technology helps the four-cylinder-equipped Malibu return an impressive 27 mpg city––an eight percent increase over the previous model––and 37 mpg highway.

Also available is a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an all-new GM-developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter will generate an estimated 250 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque while returning 32 mpg highway.

A completely new exterior design features slim, sweeping headlamps, a more aggressive-looking dual-port grille and eye-catching body creases that increase visual intensity. The new Malibu is more aerodynamic that before, and available Active Grille Shutters improve aerodynamics further. The restyled Malibu can be equipped with full LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps, creating a more sophisticated look.

Step inside and stretch out in the roomiest Malibu ever. The five-seat cabin has an additional 1.3 inches of legroom, for a total of 38.1 inches, and there’s a big 15.8 cubic foot trunk.

The redesigned Malibu is rich with the latest connectivity technology, including segment-exclusive OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity, available wireless phone charging and available dual rear-seat USB ports with 110-volt power outlet. Standard on most Malibu models is the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with seven-inch color touchscreen or the eight-inch MyLink system with 3D map viewing. The seven-inch MyLink system features the convenient Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, fully integrating smartphone features into the vehicle display for smart, simple, hands-free operation.

You can have as much luxury as you want in your new Malibu, too. Items like Galvano satin chrome trim accents are standard, and amenities like perforated leather upholstery and (Malibu-first) ventilated seats are standard in the new Malibu Premier trim.

New Teen Driver technology mutes audio and any paired devices when front seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also features visual and audible warnings when the vehicle exceeds preset speeds. Chevy’s Teen Driver system is the industry’s first with a built-in component that lets parents view on a screen how the vehicle was driven, including maximum speed, distance driven and number of times active safety features were engaged.

Malibu also includes a comprehensive list of standard and available driver assist technologies, including Front Pedestrian Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Front and Rear Park Assist and Intellibeam automatic high beams.

The reimagined Chevrolet Malibu is ready to extend its 50-year reign as an American favorite. Attractive, seriously efficient and great to drive, the new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the comfort, safety and connectivity to fit a wide range of family lifestyles and budgets. Contact us today for more details and updates on availability, so when the new Malibu arrives later this year, you’ll be at the front of the line.

This article is presented by Jack Maxton Chevrolet in Worthington, Ohio. www.jackmaxton.com 

Chevrolet is Global Leader for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay


All-new 2016 Cruze is one of 14 Chevrolet models to offer compatibility
LOS ANGELES – According to Strategy Analytics, there are more than 2.3 billion
smartphones in use globally, and that number continues to rise. And on the road,
customers are demanding better integration between phones and their vehicles.
Whether they have an Apple or Android phone, Chevrolet is committed to providing
the smartest, simplest connected driving experience possible to owners across the
globe.

For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
compatibility in more models than any automotive brand. The 14 Chevrolet models
include the all-new 2016 Cruze, which will debut on June 24. Cruze is Chevrolet’s
best-selling passenger car, with more than 3 million sold since launch. Additional
models are listed in a chart below.

“For most of us, our smartphones are essential,” said Mary Barra, CEO of General
Motors. “Partnering with Apple and Google to offer CarPlay and Android Auto
compatibility across the widest range of models in the industry is a great example
of how Chevrolet continues to democratize technology that’s important to our
customers.”

Chevrolet’s seven-inch MyLink system gives owners a smart and simple way to
access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The eight-inch version of MyLink will
be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year.
While development and testing is not yet complete, Android Auto compatibility may
be available on the eight-inch version of MyLink later in the 2016 model year.

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto
is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well
as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype,
Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is
available at Android.com/auto.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts
them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to
make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the
touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone,
Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can
be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.

Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the
steering wheel, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands
on the wheel.

Chevrolet has a strong track record when it comes to broad availability of
customer-centric innovation as the first brand to introduce Siri Eyes Free
functionality and the first and only car company to offer available OnStar 4G LTE
connectivity across a range of cars, trucks and crossovers in the U.S. and Canada.
In less than one year, Chevrolet has connected more than a half-million customers
to high-speed 4G LTE Wi-Fi.

Chevrolet customers in markets around the world including Brazil, Mexico and
Canada will benefit from this new level of smartphone integration. Specific market
availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can
be found here.

In 2014, the 14 models included in this rollout accounted for more than 2.4 million
vehicle sales, or 51 percent of Chevrolet’s total global sales.
Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 Chevrolet. A “Projection”
icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes
to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a
compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the
Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an
iPhone 5 or later.

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and
Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also
apply.

For Release: Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 3 p.m. EDT Information provided by http://www.chevy.com