GM tops benchmark J.D. Power Quality Study

Exciting news!  General Motors has won 8 best vehicle awards in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey, with all GM brands ranking above the industry average this year! Topping the chart at number 2 is GMC, followed by Chevrolet, who jumped 10 spots from last year to land at number 5. Cadillac tied for 13th and Buick came in at 15.  What is even more exciting is that GMC and Chevrolet are the only two non-luxury brands to make the top 5. David Sargent, vice president of the global automotive practice at J.D. Power and author of the study said, “GM has the best quality of any corporation in the study, the first time it’s been on top.”  To us the dealer, this is solid confirmation, based on the opinions of General Motors customers, that we are producing the highest quality vehicles out there!

JD Power Quality Survey

This annual survey, now in its 27th year, closely measures the number of problems on 2013 vehicles reported after 90 days from purchase and ran from February to May of this year.   This survey had many updates, including more consumer feedback with particular focus to newer technologies such as: lane departure warning, navigation and voice activated systems.

As Chevrolet, Buick and GMC continue to improve the quality of their 2014 models, competitors such as Ford continue to experience a slump as they struggle with the quality of their technologies.  This year, they fell to 27 in the survey from the 5th spot last year.

These are exciting times for General Motors and Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC.  We are proud of our product and thrilled about all the advancements in our award winning line-up.  If you are interested in any of our vehicles or have any questions, please visit us at http://www.queenstonchev.com.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada, autos.jdpower.com

Honda, McLaren And The FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship

You may have heard already, but Honda is partnering once again with The McLaren Group to participate in the FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship for the 2015 season.  On the McLaren website, they announced their delight about the “new multi-year Formula 1 technology partnership with Honda, which is reuniting an association that became one of the most successful and powerful in Formula 1 history during the 1980’s and 90’s.”Formula One Announcement 002

With shared responsibilities, Honda will be responsible for the development, manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine.  McLaren will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the chassis as well as the management of the new team – McLaren Honda.

New F1 regulations have only furthered Honda’s excitement since it will inspire improvements to both the efficiency of a combustion engine and energy management technologies such as hybrid systems, something that Honda helped pioneer years ago. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co Ltd., had the following to say: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing.  Honda has a long history of advancing out technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series.”  There is sure to be more exciting news in the upcoming months from this restored racing partnership.  For the latest updates, continue to follow us at Hamilton Auto Blog.com or visit us at www.imagehonda.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda News http://hondanews.ca/en/news/release/Honda-to-Participate-in-the-FIA-Formula-One-World-Championship Canada

McLaren http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/mclaren-honda-reuniting-one-greatest-partnerships-formula-1-history/

2014 Chevrolet Silverado Introduces New Luxury Model

For 2014, The Chevrolet Silverado lineup will feature a new addition – The 2014 Silverado High Country. The new crew cab model will compete in the premium pickup segment. The luxury model features a unique chrome grille with horizontal chrome bars, halogen projector headlamps, unique 20-inch chrome wheels and much more. The all-new 2014 Silverado High Country will join the Chevrolet lineup this fall.Silveado High Country

Inside the High Country is an exclusive saddle brown interior with authentic materials, as well as heated and cooled leather seats with high country logos on the headrests. The truck also features MyLink connectivity with 8 inch touch screen, Bose premium audio, front and rear park assist and more.

“High Country will be the top model in the Silverado lineup, with a higher level of premium features and materials with a rich, Western themed appearance,” said Maria Rohrer, Silverado marketing director. “But at the same time, High Country is a 100-percent Chevy truck, with the capability and dependability customers have relied on for more than 95years.”

Silverado High Country Decal

The High Country Silverado’s standard engine is a 5.3L EcoTec V-8 with 355 horsepower and up to 23 mpg on highway. The all-new 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 will also be available. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, active fuel management and continuously variable valve timing and both engines switch to 4 cylinder mode to save fuel during light load driving.

This new addition to the Chevrolet family will definitely be one to look out for – especially for the many truck enthusiasts here in Ontario. Stay connected to AutoHwy.com  and Hamilton Auto Blog for further updates and visit us at www.queenstonchev.com for the upcoming arrival date.

By Nerissa Mohamed

Source: GM Canada

A Car That Runs On…Social Media?

We have innovation at its finest in Kansas City, Missouri where a group of high school students have built an electric car that runs on….social media?  Yes, you heard it right!  It runs on what the students have coined “social fuel”!  What was once a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is now an electrified car that has been altered to run on posts, mentions and likes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Minddrive, a non-profit group whose aim was to inspire and create a doorway for kids who may have no previous automotive experience, worked with this group of at-risk high school students as mentors to create this one of a kind car.

What is even more inspiring is that this week, the team will be driving the Karmann Ghia from Kansas City to Washington D.C. where they will be meeting with elected officials to promote education and funding for programs like Minddrive.  Along the way, they will be stopping at schools in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania to give presentations.

It will take a total of 71,040 watts to reach D.C.  You can help this ingenious car and its creators reach the American capital! Share this blog on Twitter by using the #MINDDRIVE or mention @mindriveorg.  You can also use Facebook “Likes and Shares”, Instagram follows and shares, as well as YouTube video plays, follows and shares.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Minddrive.org

OnStar Family Link Service

Have you every worried about a loved one who is making a long trip or driving in poor weather conditions? Maybe you have a new driver in the family and want to ensure their safety.  Now you can have peace of mind with OnStar Family Link.  This service is an opt-in extension to your monthly OnStar subscription and is made available to you for a nominal fee.  With no limit to the number of vehicles you can add, you will always be able to track your vehicle on the road without bothering the driver.

Upon sign up, you will be given direct access to the location of your vehicle by viewing a map, as well as the ability to schedule email or text message notifications with Family Link’s unique “Vehicle Location Alert”.  You can even personalize the system by setting the day, time and frequency of your alerts.

This year in the United States, OnStar was awarded a 2013 Silver Edison Award for the Family Link service.  Jon Lauckner, GM’s chief technology officer and vice-president of Global Research & Development was quoted as saying “These awards reaffirm our ability to lead in the transformation of the automotive industry with a commitment to innovation that benefits our customers around the globe”.

If you are interested in subscribing to this feature, please sign up at www.onstar.com/familylink and make sure to visit our award winning vehicles equipped with OnStar at www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

GM Canada

Canadianautodealer.ca

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel UPDATE

The wait will soon be over – the new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD (Diesel) is said to be in Canadian Dealerships by as early as this summer. This new Cruze has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel, which is roughly equivalent to 10 hours of highway driving.

Chevrolet logocruze TD

With a starting price of $26,495 including freight, this new Cruze has a better value ($510 lower) than its competitor – the comparably equipped 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic.

Offered in one trim level, the Cruze 2TD offers some excellent standard features.

Interior product highlights include:

Heated leather seats with 6 way power driver seat
Leather wrapped steering wheel
Cruise control
USB port & Bluetooth for phone
Remote start, MyLink & rear view camera

Exterior product highlights include:

Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
Standard rear spoiler
Diesel badging

Mechanical Product highlights include:

2.0L Turbo Diesel – engine built in Europe
148 hp and 25lb-ft. torque
Z-link rear suspension from the RS
4-wheel disc brakes
DEF system

Surpassing its competitors, the Cruze Diesel has an estimated 148 horsepower and can go 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen TDI automatic.   Powered by the cleanest diesel passenger engine GM has ever produced, this car generates 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions then past generations.

For more news and updates on the Cruze 2TD and other General Motors vehicles, please visit Hamilton Auto Blog and queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

Get Behind The Wheel And Donate to The Walk to Fight Arthritis

Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC will be holding our “Drive for a Cause” event on May 10th and 11th, 2013 at our Queenston on the Mountain dealership.  This event will provide individuals the opportunity to support a great cause and test drive one of our exciting 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicles.  These vehicles include: the re-designed Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, as well as, the new Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.

For each test drive taken during the two day event, Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC will donate $25 to The Arthritis Society on behalf of that individual. The dealership’s goal for this event is to donate $4,500.Small Logo

Here are some facts regarding Arthritis in Canada:

4.6 Million Canadians Have Arthritis

·         4.6 million, or one in six, Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis. By 2031, approximately seven million Canadians (one in five) are expected to have arthritis.

·         Arthritis can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background.

·         Two-thirds of those affected with arthritis are women.

·         Among all causes of disability in Canada, arthritis ranks first among women and second among men.

 Arthritis Society

For more facts and figures click here or visit The Arthritis Society at http://www.arthritis.ca

The event runs Friday, May 10th from 9am-8pm and Saturday May 11th from 9am-5pm.  For more information, please contact Queenston on the Mountain: 2260 Rymal Road East, Hamilton, ON 905-528-7001 or visit us at www.queenstonchev.com

On Sunday June 9th, 2013 Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC and Image Honda will be participating in the annual Walk to Fight Arthritis at the Royal Botanical Gardens.  If you are interested in participating in the walk or making a donation please visit our team pages and register.

For Queenston Chevrolet, click here
For Image Honda, click here

By: Amy Cochren