5 Star Safety Score For The 2014 Chevrolet Impala

Last month, we were excited to announce that General Motors topped the list for the 2013 J.D. Power Awards with Chevrolet and GMC being the only non-luxury brands to rank in the top 5.  Well, it’s another first for Chevrolet with the redesigned 2014 Impala receiving a five-star safety score.  This score is the highest possible five-star overall vehicle score for safety, as part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.2014impala

So what makes the Impala so outstanding?  Well, it offers a variety of safety features that are attributed to this ranking.  The Collision Mitigation Braking allows for radar technology to sense traffic in front of the vehicle to adjust the vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in traffic and accelerating again after.  This is the first time that such a feature has been offered in a Chevrolet.  Some additional features include: forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines, ultrasonic rear park assist, brake pre-fill feature, hill hold/start assist and full-speed-range-adaptive cruise control.  The 2014 Impala’s also come with 10 standard airbags and OnStar, providing you with an additional sense of comfort.  OnStar’s GPS and cellular phone technology will automatically call for help in case of a crash.

Gay Kent, GM general director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness had the following to say. “Safety is a key consideration for all car buyers, and Impala sets a new benchmark for Chevrolet’s flagship sedan.  The 2014 Chevrolet Impala is designed to provide excellent crash safety, and offers customers several safety technologies not previously available in Chevrolet.”

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the 2014 Impala for yourself, we welcome you to either of our Chevrolet dealerships: Queenston on Centennial or Queenston on the Mountain.  Come and take a test drive today in the award winning Impala and see exactly what it has to offer.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Chevrolet Canada, GM Canada

More than $57,000 Raised for Make-A-Wish Canada at Honda Indy Toronto

It was another successful year for Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, who hosted the 4th annual Fan Friday last week at the Honda Indy Toronto.  Thanks to the charity of Toronto race fans, more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada this year.  Since Fan Friday started 4 years ago, a total of $308,000 has been raised. Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada expressed her gratitude. “On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers, and of course the fans.  This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

Honda-Indy-web

How Fan Friday works:

Each year, on the Friday of the Honda Indy Toronto, race fans are encouraged to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation rather than pay an admission fee.  Additionally, all activities at the race accept donations including: the Blue Jays batting cages and all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators.  Then, at the end of the race weekend, Honda Canada matches the combined contributions dollar for dollar.

Honda Canada would like to let everyone know that just because “Race” weekend is over, doesn’t mean the donations have to stop.  You can make a five dollar donation to Make-A-Wish anytime, by texting the word “DREAM” to 41010 from any mobile phone.

Please remember to visit www.imagehonda.com for details on current programs and events.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada

Klout Influencer – Buick Test Drive Experience

Over the course of a 6 month period, Buick held the ultimate test drive experience to socially connected individuals in conjunction with Klout.  From October 2012 to March of this year, 50 influential Torontonians were provided a Buick Verano to test drive.  When the program concluded in March, 2 people were chosen to participate in a video interview where they were asked to share their experience with Klout.  At Queenston Chevrolet Buick GMC, we already know how fabulous the Verano truly is and are excited for you to see as well. View the videos below and get a sense of what the award winning Buick Verano has to offer! #VeranoDrive

 

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: GM Canada

J.D. Power Awards Honda of Canada Mfg.

We have more good news resulting from the 2013 J.D. Power Awards.  Honda of Canada Mfg. Plant in Alliston, Ontario has been awarded the bronze plant ranking for North/South America in the 2013 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey. Not only has the plant been recognized individually, but the Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling vehicle for the last 15 years won for initial quality in the compact car category.  Honda CR-V and Ridgeline also placed first in their categories for initial quality.

Betty Jones, Quality Division Manager for Honda of Canada Mfg was quoted the following: “These results are validation of the dedication of our Associates…our Associates work exceptionally hard to produce the best possible quality for our customers, so it is encouraging to see those efforts reflected in this year’s results.  We are particularly thrilled to see Civic win its category because the 2013 Civic has some significant changes from its predecessor.”

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.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada, autos.jdpower.com

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

The All-New 2014 Chevrolet Impala

If you would like to see all that the 2014 Chevrolet Impala has to offer, visit http://www.queenstonchev.com today and schedule your test drive!  For the lastest updates and information on our dealership, please check back with Hamilton Auto Blog.

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

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