Nissan building new small van for GM’s Chevrolet
General Motors is entering the next-generation small van competition with a new version of a commercial vehicle made by Nissan, both companies announced Tuesday.
The Chevrolet City Express, as it will be called, will be a revised Nissan NV200 and will come to market in fall, 2014. Nissan has been trying to aggressively find new uses for its small NV200 van, including adapting it as the “taxi of tomorrow,” the mainstay of New York’s cab fleet.
In creating a Chevrolet version, Nissan solves a problem for GM. With the success of Ford’s small Transit Connect, the pressure has been on GM to find a match. By partnering with Nissan, GM cuts years of development time and expense.
GM officials know exactly what they want the van to accomplish.
“It’s designed to go head-to-head against Transit Connect — and win,” Ed Peper, GM’s fleet sales chief tells USA TODAY. “Speed (to market) was a very important asset we had to have here.”
The van will be for sale to individual customers as well as fleet buyers, the businesses that buy their vans in bunches for flower deliverers, plumbers and myriad other enterprises.
The small van segment is new to GM. Ford basically created the segment in the U.S. with its Transit Connect, which sort of a combination car and truck. Now, Peper says GM’s vehicle will stand out from the Nissan with an entirely new front-end design that looks distinctively like a Chevrolet and a five-year, 100,000-miles powertrain warranty.
The van, to be built at a Nissan plant in Mexico, is yet another example of how Nissan partners with other automakers to try to get enough production volume at its plants to make vehicles successful.
“Working with partners to expand markets for our innovative products enhances Nissan’s growth and manufacturing efficiency by leveraging our capacity to meet growing demand in this space,” says Joe Castelli, a Nissan vice president, in a statement.
Now it yet to be seen whether GM will try to enter the large, new-generation van market. It is dominated by Mercedes-Benz’ large Sprinter, and both Ford and Chrysler have their own large vans planned based on European designs.
GM College Discount at Bob Maguire Chevrolet
If you’re in college, a graduate program or even a recent grad, this discount can save you hundreds — even thousands — on an eligible, new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle.
Here’s everything you need to know about the GM College Discount Program. Shop for vehicles. View current incentives and promotions. Get pricing examples. And much more.
GM College Pricing at Bob Maguire Chevrolet
Who is eligible to participate in the GM College Discount Program?
Eligible participants include college students (from any two- or four-year school), recent graduates who have graduated no more than two years ago, and current nursing school and graduate students. An eligible customer must produce one of the following:
- Evidence of enrollment in an associate, undergraduate, nursing or graduate degree program.
- A diploma dated no more than two years before the vehicle purchase or lease, from a four-year bachelor’s degree, a registered nursing degree, a two-year associates degree or a graduate degree program.
Which GM vehicles are eligible?
Almost every new and unused 2010 and 2011 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicle is eligible.
To see a list of excluded vehicles, go to the “Get Answers” tab on the home page and select What Vehicles Are Eligible. Some other models may have limited availability. Eligibility of GM vehicles may change at any time without notice.
What is the vehicle discount?
As an eligible college student, grad student or recent graduate, you can purchase vehicles at the Preferred Price, which is a special discounted price that is less than MSRP.
How many vehicles am I eligible to purchase/lease?
You may purchase/lease up to two eligible, new and unused vehicles per year.
Can I receive this discount from any GM Dealer?
This program is available through all participating U.S. GM Dealers and is voluntary on the part of the dealers. Dealer participation is on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. Please inform Bob Maguire Chevrolet of your intention to use the GM College Discount during your first contact with your dealer. If your dealer elects not to participate, you may visit another dealer.
How do I get the GM College Discount?
Visit gmcollegediscount.com to request your authorization number and print it out. Then bring it to your salesperson at your Bob Maguire Chevrolet, along with proof of program eligibility, to receive your vehicle discount.
Can I combine the GM College Discount with current incentives?
Yes, in most cases. Visit Bob Maguire Chevrolet for details on eligible incentives, or view current incentives at gmcollegediscount.com to see how the values add up.
Can I order a vehicle through this program, rather than choosing one from my GM Dealer’s inventory?
Yes, you can receive the discount when you order through Bob Maguire Chevrolet.
Can I combine this with any GM reward card Earnings?
Yes, you can combine the GM College Discount with Earnings from any one of the GM reward cards. Earnings from the GM reward cards are in addition to most current incentives GM may offer.
How can I apply for a GM reward card?
You may apply online anytime for any GM reward card at gmcard.com.
Do I have to purchase or lease through Ally?
You do not have to purchase or lease through Ally.
Are dealer-installed options covered by this discount (e.g., theft-deterrent devices)?
No. Any additional dealer-installed options, conversion/up-fit packages, General Motors Protection Plans and other extra-charge items will be supplied at a price agreed upon between the customer and Bob Maguire Chevrolet.
Are dealer demonstration vehicles included in this program?
Yes, if the vehicle has less than 7,500 miles and a dealer demo allowance has not been paid on the vehicle. See your dealer for details.
Can I use a trade-in with this program?
Please contact Bob Maguire Chevrolet for more information about trade-ins.
Does the purchase/lease require a down payment?
Bob Maguire Chevrolet will be able to provide details on the down payment of your chosen vehicle.
How long do I have to keep the vehicle to qualify for the GM College Discount?
Eligible vehicles must be retained for a minimum of six (6) months from the vehicle delivery date.
I recently bought/leased a new GM vehicle. Can I still apply for the GM College Discount?
No. Previous purchases/leases are not eligible.
Can I share my GM College Discount?
No, however, vehicles can be co-titled.
How can I find out more about a specific GM model?
Questions about vehicle features, pricing, model eligibility, leasing and incentives should be directed to Bob Maguire Chevrolet. You can also visit gmcollegediscount.com for more information.
I forgot my username. How can I retrieve it?
Click on the “I’ve forgotten my username” link on the login page and you will be prompted for your name and address. After the system has validated your information, you will be prompted to enter the answer to the secret question you selected during registration. After you provide the correct answer, your username will appear and you will be prompted to enter your password.
I forgot my password. How can I retrieve it?
Click on the “I’ve forgotten my password” link on the login page and you will be prompted for your username. Once the system has validated a correct username, you will be prompted to enter the answer to the secret question you selected during registration. After you provide the correct answer, you will be prompted to reset your password.
Bob Maguire Chevrolet’s Tips to Achieve Better Gas Mileage
Tune Up:
A properly tuned engine can improve fuel economy about 4 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Pump Up:
Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Under-inflated tires can lower fuel economy by 0.3 percent for every one pound-per-square-inch drop in the pressure of all four tires.
Unpack:
Slow Down:
Avoid Idling:
Chill Out:
Put it in Overdrive:
Roll ‘Em Down Around Town:
Unclog:
Use the Right Oil
Plan your Trips:
Cap Check:
OnStar Diagnostics:
ZL1 Camaro Coming Soon – Chevrolet Enters The Realm of Advanced Performance Technology at Bob Maguire Chevrolet
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class. The new ZL1 continues the momentum of Camaro, propelling it into an entirely new realm of leading-edge performance technology. It is planned to arrive at Bob Maguire Chevy in the beginning of 2012.
The all-new, 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is powered by the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that produces an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (745 Nm). This high powered machine is officially in the Chevrolet Production Pipeline, which means that it will be here at Bob Maguire Chevrolet in Bordentown, NJ in just a few months!
Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed
chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in
2011, as testing nears completion.
The LSA is the most powerful engine ever offered in a Camaro, eclipsing even the original ZL1 engine from 1969 that inspired the name of the new, maximum-performance model. Built on GM’s legendary small-block V-8 architecture, it features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement.
“The LSA is the ultimate engine for the ultimate Camaro,” said John Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer for small-block engines. “It has a broad power band that matches the Camaro ZL1’s performance capabilities at every notch on the tachometer.”
Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include:
- Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
- High-strength hypereutectic pistons Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
- Center-feed fuel system
- Piston oil squirters.
A Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is matched with the LSA. It uses a 240-mm dual-mass flywheel matched with a 240-mm twin-disc clutch system to provide excellent shift smoothness.
Compared to the Cadillac application, the LSA used in the Camaro features the following unique components and details:
- Black intercooler housing with unique heat exchanger and plumbing to accommodate the Camaro engine compartment
- Cast stainless steel exhaust manifolds for enhanced thermal management
- Camaro-specific oil pan
- Revised accessory drive with unique alternator and air conditioning compressor
- Idler pulley in place of the conventional power steering pump pulley, because of the use of electric power steering
- Special engine cover in red.
Supercharged power delivery
The LSA engine’s sixth-generation Eaton supercharger, with high-helix, four-lobe rotors, enables a broad range of power through the rpm band, giving the engine great low-end torque and excellent horsepower at higher rpm.
“The design of the supercharger’s rotating internal components extends its effective range, giving the engine a wide, flat power band that is usable at all rpm levels,” said Rydzewski, assistant chief engineer. “Whether at low speeds or on the highway, the feeling of power is instant, strong and sustained.”
Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support the engine’s high-rpm, supercharged performance. The parts are housed in an aluminum cylinder block that features nodular iron, six-bolt main caps. Cast iron cylinder liners – measuring 4.06 inches (103.25 mm) in bore diameter – are inserted in the aluminum block and they are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
Nestled inside the LSA’s deep-skirted cylinder block is a forged steel crankshaft that delivers a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. It features an eight-bolt flange – the outer face of the crankshaft on which the flywheel is mounted – that provides enhanced clamping strength. Other non-supercharged GM 6.2L engines have a six-bolt flange. A torsional damper mounted to the front of the crankshaft features a keyway and friction washer, which is designed to support the engine’s high loads.
Connected to the crankshaft is a set of lightweight powder-metal connecting rods and hypereutectic pistons, which, when combined with the cylinder heads, delivers a 9.1:1 compression ratio. The alloy of the pistons was selected for its strength and heat resistance properties, while the cast design provides inherent quieting advantages over other piston materials, such as forged aluminum.
“Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a
name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history.”
The ZL1 name is derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same name, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. Only 69 were built with the engine, but they’ve achieved mythical status
among enthusiasts, as they represented the pinnacle in Camaro performance – until now. The 2012 ZL1 model is designed to be a major leap forward for the Camaro, bringing a new level of performance capability to the segment.
The central goal of the car’s development was creating something new – a Camaro intended to reach optimal lap times on top road-racing circuits and excellent driving dynamics on the street. To achieve that goal, engineers evolved many of the existing
Camaro’s systems, as well as incorporated new technologies such as electric power steering and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system.
Camaro ZL1’s design communicates and supports its performance mission. Rather than using decorative elements, ZL1 is visually differentiated from other current Camaro models with elements vital to the car’s elevated capabilities.
“Everything about the ZL1’s design is directly related to its technology and serious performance, especially aerodynamics,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. “Our designers’ goal was to execute that function-oriented design with beautifully
sculpted forms, creating an imposing, powerful persona. Function becomes the aesthetic. The intent is a car that delivers on the attitude it projects.”
Major elements of the ZL1’s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin
black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car’s handling and power.
The ZL1 badge appears on the grille, hood and the brake calipers, all key areas portraying the technology within.
Tech overview:
Because the Camaro ZL1 uses electric power steering, the engine does not incorporate a conventional hydraulic power steering pump on its accessory drive system. This enhances performance, because no engine power is used to turn a steering pump pulley
Transmission – The high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is matched with the LSA engine. It is the “MG9” version of the transmission, with a higher torque capacity. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easy operation
and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes.
Exhaust – ZL1 is equipped with a dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm. First used on the legendary Corvette, and specifically tuned for Camaro ZL1, the dual-mode exhaust will give the car a
signature sound.
Drivetrain – It is revised with a stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential. This patent-pending system is designed to ensure that ZL1’s
tremendous power is delivered smoothly to the ground.
Suspension – The suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of segment-exclusive Magnetic Ride Control. ZL1’s Magnetic Ride system will include driver selectable modes (Tour and Sport) tailored for the preferred style of driving. It
uses advanced magneto-rheological science to produce shock damping with the highest level of precision, enabling body control optimized for excellent performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. This technology appears on only a small
roster of some of the world’s finest performance cars. Other chassis elements are redesigned to support the car’s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms. This makes the bars more effective in
controlling body roll in turns, with crisp response to driver commands.
Brakes and Steering – Camaro ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with experts from Brembo. The large 14.6-inch (370 mm) two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 14.4-inch (365 mm) rear rotors
have four-piston calipers. ZL1 marks the entry of a new electric power steering system to Camaro. It is being developed to ensure precise control and feedback to the driver, with greater variability of effort for high-performance driving.
Exterior – ZL1’s signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps. The fog lamp area includes air intakes designed for brake cooling. The
hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car. Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car’s high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car’s exterior color. Functionally, the air
extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. The carbon fiber center section reduces the mass of the hood. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car
includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car’s aerodynamics.
Wheels and Tires – New-design, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are lighter than the 20-inch wheels used on the Camaro SS, are used with new Goodyear Supercar F2 ties developed specifically for the ZL1.
Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving. The front seats feature microfiber suede inserts. Other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts and the “four-pack” auxiliary
gauge system featuring a boost readout.
Production details
All of the Camaro exterior colors will be offered with the ZL1, but black is the only interior color. The unique exterior features are complemented with a black center section on the hood. Inside, the Camaro ZL1 has heated leather seats with microfiber inserts
and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front headrests. Microfiber suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel, adding a richer look to the interior. The ZL1 will include the same content as the current 2SS package and include the following new or
unique features:
- Six-way power driver and passenger seats
- Unique instrument panel and door panel inserts; and ZL1-logo sill plates
- Steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability
- Wireless PDIM and USB-port
- Boston Acoustics premium audio system
- Rear parking assist
- Rear camera system (displayed in the inside rearview mirror).
- Engineers have already driven Camaro ZL1 prototypes extensively at demanding road courses in the U.S. and Germany, with final testing being completed through the balance of 2011.
We are less then a year away from truly experiencing the greatness of this vehicle so reserve your Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 today at Bob Maguire Chevrolet – Located at 237 US Highway 130 in Bordentown, NJ 08505.
Dan Akerson Takes Over as GM CEO
On September 1, 2010 Ed Whitacre, Jr. will no longer be the CEO of General Motors; Dan Akerson will be taking over the reigns and will continue to direct GM on its path toward success.
Dan Akerson
We all know the devastating losses that GM incurred throughout these past few years – but Whitacre was able to push GM forward and turn the company’s outlook around, and Akerson will continue to do the same.
Ed Whitacre
Dan Akerson, 61, joined the GM board in July of 2009. “Dan Akerson has been actively engaged in and supportive of the key decisions and changes made at the new GM. He brings broad business experience, decisive leadership, and continuity to this role,” said Pat Russo, lead director on the GM board. “The board of directors deeply appreciates the leadership Ed has provided and is pleased with the serious commitment Dan is making to the company. We look forward to his leadership.”
GM Logo
“There are remarkable opportunities ahead for the new GM, and I am honored to lead the company through this next chapter,” said Akerson. “Ed Whitacre established a foundation upon which we will continue building a great automobile company.”
GM Opens New Design Studio!
General Motors has opened a new design studio in Seoul, South Korea, this past Wednesday, April 20, 2010. This will be GM’s tenth global design studio, to date, and will be responsible for creating mini and small vehicles to be sold around the world. There will be over thirty designers at the Seoul Advanced Design studio working diligently to create new concept vehicles for GM world-wide.
As time goes by, I believe that this design studio will become a crucial part of GM as the United States, and the World, enforces more strict fuel-efficiency and emissions standards. Soon, more and more people will be driving mini or small vehicles in order to comply with fuel-efficiency and emissions standards, and this GM design studio will be one of the major players contributing to the designs of those vehicles.
General Motors Co. to payback the US and Canadian Governments Loans.
US auto giant General Motors has officially announced the repayment of its $5.8 Billion loan by the end of June ‘10. The loan is from the U.S Treasury and Export Development Canada, both of which currently hold Equity Shares in the company.
The company that emerged from bankruptcy in July 2009 also stated that once the repayments are complete “the focus will be to upgrade the plants in Detroit and Kansas to build their Next Generation- Chevrolet Malibu.”
The news of the repayment was made on the Wall Street Journal website on Tuesday April 20th by the CEO of GM, Ed Whitacre, as he announced “Our ability to pay back these loans less than a year after emerging from bankruptcy is a sign that our plan for building a new GM is working.”
The Detroit- Hamtramck and Kansan City factories will be updated with an investment of $ 275 million. The update will enable the plants to manufacture the Next Generation Malibu slated for release next year. On Wednesday, Mr.Whitacre addressing the Kansas City plant said that it will receive $136 million of the investment as the plant will be the prime manufacturing site for the Malibu.
As per the Automotive News Data Center, the new Chevy Malibu has a 53 day supply and Buick LaCrosse a 43 day supply, and the Kansas plant is working 3 shifts and on Saturdays to build both the cars which began production in April to maintain a 60 Day supply level as recommended by analysts.
The Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS sedans currently being produced at the Detroit Hamtramck plant will be downsized this year to accommodate the production of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in sedan, to be released in the fourth quarter of ’10. The Hamtramck plant investment of $121 will assist in the production of the Malibu in period of spike in demand.
GM Geely competes for limelight @ Beijing auto show
The most awaited and important event on China ‘s automotive calendar is just nearing. The Auto China 2010 will begin Friday, April 12, in Beijing . And almost all the automakers, both domestic and global, have said what they will put on display. And Of course each and everyone of the automakers is vying for its share of the limelight. This may be the toughest contest of the year for the Geely Holdings and General Motors Company. Both of these two companies will display more on their products in the show more than other automakers.
And in detail, Geely Holdings will display almost 39 models of their products and General Motors will display 28 products. They will also show more new models than most other automakers. Geely says it will put 11 all new models on stage at the event. Meanwhile General Motors has announced it will show 6 new models for the first time in front of a Chinese audience.
The General Motors vehicles are Chevy Volt MPV5 concept, the Cadillac Concept, the Cadillac XTS concept, the Chevy Aveo RS concept, the two-box Chevy New Sail and the new Chevy Spark. Last week Geely held an event in Beijing with several company executives taking turns to explain to reporters the long list of new models and power train technologies their company will display at the show. General Motors China convened reporters from across the country in Shanghai for a briefing on its middle and long term growth plans for China .
For sure, Geely Holdings didn’t start making cars until the late of 1990s. So it goes without saying that it still can’t mount serious competition for General Motors. With most of its products selling less than 70,000 yuan ($10,248), the company still confines itself to the low end of the domestic market. This will change very soon. In addition to rolling out more expensive models under its own brand, the private Chinese company wants to launch more Volvo models in China after it completes the purchase of the Swedish brand from Ford Motor Co in the third quarter.
With a brand that is now a byword for excellence in safety in its stable, Geely holdings should become a rival to reckon with for global players including General Motors.
Customers- Backbone of Bob Maguire Chevrolet
wwwbobmaguirechevrolet.com is the website specially designed for this New Jersey Chevrolet dealer. The features of this site are quite striking with spectacular pictures as main part. This was founded in 1977 and family owned prestigious automotive dealership group. This particular dealer is famous for its reputed services for many years by offering largest selection at best prices. Maguire Auto group customers are happiest buyers with best price and best services. Featured vehicles are the main attraction of this site. These featured vehicle posts gives all the information about those featured cars in all the needed aspects. There is nothing gave a miss in the feature for a person who is looking for a best pre-owned car.
Maguire Auto group offers new models as well as pre-owned to their customers to their satisfaction. Financing facilities are best way arranged to the customers here as an additional service.
Their new models include trucks, hybrids, couples, crossovers, sedans, SUVs’ and vans with reviews. An array of new upcoming models is also showcased on the website with more technical details.
In the pre-owned category one can avail online inventory through this website. GM certified used vehicles are the specialty of the pre-owned car from this website. Luxury pre-owned is widely available here and can be verified on website too besides many other models which are almost less than $10K.
Services are the important part of Maguire Auto group. Their service centre often serves their customers with best fuel solutions. The technical team here got a special team exclusively for BODY SHOP. Here Schedule services and recommended maintenances take place constantly for their customers. Customers satisfaction often seen here through their praising about what they got benefited.
GM certified vehicles are specialty at this Maguire Auto group. This certificate is offered to vehicles under GM certified program here. For this a vehicle must be belong to before 2003, with less than 60,000 miles.
Best part of this Maguire Auto group is easy access to their customers through particular number for particular division. All the staff to serve to the customers are well qualified and good professional. The organize way of operations with this company made them reputed with their customers since 1977. The well maintained business values with customers are main backbone to the successful existence.
The Maguire Auto Blog 