Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: September 2018

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

10 Spooktacular Songs to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

BAY CITY, Mich. -- It's October, and that means Halloween season has officially begun! Costumes and decorations aside, nothing quite sets the mood for this spooky time of the year like music, and we at Graff Bay City would like to share with you some of our favorites as you gear up for the tricks and treats! Without further ado, here are 10 spooktacular songs to get you in the Halloween spirit!

1. "I Put a Spell On You" - As performed by Bette Midler in Hocus Pocus

Kicking off our playlist is a song from one of the greatest Halloween movies of all time. After Max and the gang attempt to warn the people of Salem of the notorious Sanderson Sisters' return to no avail, the witches use this as an opportunity to use their wicked charms to distract the townsfolk through this spellbinding rendition of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins classic.

2. "Witchcraft" - Frank Sinatra

Speaking of witches, this supernatural love song has been sung by many, but none can hold a candle to the magic croons of Ol' Blue Eyes. In fact, this record earned him six nominations at the first-ever Grammy awards in 1959.

3. "In the Room Where You Sleep" - Dead Man's Bones

In addition to being a smoldering heartthrob of the silver screen, not many know that actor Ryan Gosling is also a musician. Inspired by their mutual experiences with the paranormal as children, he and his friend Zach Shields formed Dead Man's Bones, with most of their lyrical content featuring a theme of all things that go bump in the night. In 2013, the duo lent their talents to the soundtrack of The Conjuring in the form of this spooky tune.

4. "Keepin' Halloween Alive" - Alice Cooper
If there's anyone who embodies the spirit of Halloween, it's Michigan-native Alice Cooper. The "Godfather of Shock Rock" penned this timeless anthem in honor of his favorite holiday, and any passive or passionate fan alike knows that he lives every word of it.

5. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson
No Halloween playlist is complete without the "King of Pop's" epic homage to all things scary. This song has it all from a spine-tingling sound effect intro, a catchy hook, wicked choreography, and voiceover work from the legendary Vincent Price.

6. "Night of the Living Dead" - Misfits
Known as the progenitors of the horror-punk genre, the Misfits are definitely a band that's always ready for Halloween. This song, named for George Romero's iconic film, is an ode to everyone's favorite shuffling meat husks: zombies.

7. "Cry Little Sister (Theme from 'The Lost Boys')" - Gerard McMann
In 1987, Joel Schumacher's The Lost Boys saw vampires ditching the capes and castles of their ancestors in favor of a more unassuming, mortal appearance; introducing the idea that they could walk amongst humans, camouflaged, making the concept all the more terrifying. Gerard McMann heralded this new era of modern bloodsuckers with this song that exudes the intensity and mystique that defines their legend.

8. "This Is Halloween" - The Citizens of Halloween
Who better to sing a song about Halloween than the citizens of a town in which it's a way of life? This one heads up Tim Burton's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas and should be belted at full volume with bravado on your way to wherever the night takes you.

9. "Spooky" - Classics IV This sultry number about a "spooky little girl" is a Halloween favorite, and features a mean saxophone section. Unfortunately for Classics IV, the band is often mistaken for the Zombies, but their song's popularity and long-standing place on many a holiday soundtrack is undeniable.

10. "Black Magic Woman" - Santana
The legendary Carlos Santana puts a Latin twist on this spooky tune originally recorded by Fleetwood Mac. However, given the popularity of Santana's version which earned the band the number four spot on the Billboard 100 in 1971 and quadruple platinum status in 1986, it's obvious which one is on multiple Halloween playlists to this day.

What songs help you get into the spirit of Halloween? Share them with us!

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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Monday, September 24, 2018

GM Brands Join Forces to Aid Those Affected by Hurricane Florence

BAY CITY, Mich. -- On September 14th, Hurricane Florence made landfall in the Carolinas on the East Coast of the United States and is reported to have caused an estimated $38 billion in property damage, making it the 6th costliest hurricane in North America to date. In the wake of the devastation, thousands of people are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild, although they won't have to do it all alone.

To do their part, General Motors has mobilized all brands underneath its banner - including OnStar, GM Financial, Customer Sales, and Aftercare - to launch several special relief efforts to help their customers affected by Hurricane Florence recover as quickly as possible.

These efforts include:

Complementary Crisis Assist from OnStar to customers with properly equipped GM vehicles (2006 and newer) in affected areas, providing emergency services, routing assistance, survival resource information, Hands-Free Calling minutes and 4G LTE Wi-Fi data via AT&T. This all comes regardless of if the customer is enrolled with OnStar or not.

GM Financial is assisting impacted customers with payment arrangements and waiving most related fees. Eligible customers who must replace a vehicle destroyed in the storm may qualify for a 90-day deferred first payment on a new vehicle.

GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco is providing expedited delivery of service parts to help speed up vehicle repairs.

Inventory of new and used vehicles is being sent to the region to assist with meeting expected replacement demand, including demand for pre-owned vehicles, courtesy transportation, and insurance rentals.

Impacted customers replacing a vehicle damaged by the storm in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia are eligible for $1,000 in purchase assistance for almost all 2018 and 2019 models under the GM brand, in addition to other incentives including discounts to military families and first responders. Customers who are leasing are eligible for $500 lease allowance, on top of the aforementioned incentives.

Residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia must present an insurance claim form indicating vehicle damage as a result of Hurricane Florence. The offer is valid until the end of October, excludes select trim levels, and is not available with some other offers.

“The entire GM family of brands and services has come together to aid those experiencing the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence – this is personal for us as many of our families, friends, dealer partners, and employees are among those directly impacted,” says Alan Batey, president of GM North America.

From all of us at Graff Bay City, our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Florence, and wish you a smooth and speedy recovery process.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

Friday, September 21, 2018

5 Couple/Group Costume Ideas for Halloween to Win the Party

BAY CITY, Mich. -- October is nearly upon us, and that means Halloween is almost here too! You're never too old to dress up for the big night, and you'll need a great get-up for all the parties you'll be invited to leading up to it! Although, like many things in life, Halloween costumes are even more fun when shared with your bestie or that special someone.

From Graff Bay City, here are 10 couples and group costumes that are real winners!

1. THE SANDERSON SISTERS - Hocus Pocus

Two words: squad goals. Heading to the party as this iconic trio from Disney's 1993 comedy horror fantasy film is sure to put a spell on all in attendance (and bring a tear of joy to the eye of any millennial).

2. GOMEZ AND MORTICIA ADDAMS

Be prepared for lots of swooning and snapping when you and your favorite boo show up as this lovably eccentric couple.

3. THE BREAKFAST CLUB

You and your friends are sure to never be forgotten as this 80s classic.

4. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS AND KIM

The only fantasy couple involving an Edward that matters. And you can tell any vampires you run into that we said that.

5. SCOOBY DOO AND THE GANG

A simple yet always appreciated throwback, the meddling kids from Mysteries Inc. never get old. Just don't tear off anyone's mask at the party, they might get angry.

What are you and your friends planning to dress up as for Halloween this year? Share it with us!

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Chevrolet Unveils the Beastly Colorado ZR2 Bison

BAY CITY, Mich. -- The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison joins the brand's lineup of midsized pick-up trucks as a powerhouse engineered for performance. The Bison is the product of Chevy's first collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a premium off-road aftermarket manufacturer.

Thanks to its commitment to innovation, Chevrolet has nabbed more than a quarter of the market's midsized pick-up truck sales in less than four years. In that time, Colorado has been the flagship of segment firsts including an all-new V-6 gas engine /eight-speed transmission combo, diesel engine, the ZR2 "segment of one" off-roader, and now the Bison.

For maximum protection of crucial undercarriage components when driving over rocky, jagged terrain, the Colorado ZR2 Bison features five skid plates covering the engine oil pan, fuel tank, transfer case, and front/rear locking differentials. Featuring rugged AEV design, the skid plates are constructed of hard, durable hot-stamped Boron steel.

Also designed by AEV are stamped steel front and rear bumpers help to enhance protection to the truck. The front bumper also features winch provisions and standard fog lights, with recovery points integrated into the rear bumper.

“More and more enthusiasts are discovering that Colorado is ideal for off-roading, especially overland travel,” says Sandor Piszar, director of Marketing, Chevrolet Truck.

“The Colorado Z71 offers a full suite of off-road equipment, the maneuverability of a midsize truck and the driving range of a class-exclusive diesel engine. The Colorado ZR2 offers even greater off-road capability with class-exclusive front and rear locking differentials and Multimatic DSSV dampers. And now, Bison offers customers an even more extreme turnkey off-road truck ready to tackle your next adventure.”

A unique departure from the classic Chevy design, the Bison ditches the traditional "bowtie" emblem in favor of an exclusive flow-through "CHEVROLET" lettered grille on its front end. On top of that, a set of 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires sit beneath larger fender flares than previously and wrap 17x8-inch aluminum wheels made specifically for the Bison ZR2.

“We’ve been following Colorado since its introduction, and the ZR2 really captured our attention,” says Dave Harriton, founder, and president of AEV. “As this is the first Chevrolet vehicle we’ve given the AEV treatment to, we wanted to do something special with the industry’s first use of hot-stamped Boron steel. We also expect that Colorado drivers will love the added ruggedness of our front and rear bumpers on ZR2 Bison.”

Everything you know and love about the standard Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 also comes equipped on the Bison, including but not limited to:

Class-exclusive front and rear locking electronic differentials
Revolutionary, segment-exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers
Off-road rocker protection
Cast-iron control arms
Autotrac transfer case

Available Bison options include:

2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, capable of 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
Choice of crew- or extended cab configurations (including short and long beds, respectively)

Stay tuned to Graff Bay City for availability regarding the all-new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison!

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Chevy's New App Uses a Personal Approach to Combat Distracted Driving

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Chevrolet adds to personal touch to the initiative to curb distracted driving with their new app called "Call Me Out". The app uses the voices of a driver's loved ones to remind them of the potentially fatal consequences of taking their eyes off the road, and what they stand to lose by doing so.

A recent by Research Now reports that 84% of people agree that driving while handling a phone is dangerous, and yet 90% of drivers admit to doing it. Inspired to take a new approach to curb the issue, Chevy hosted a hackathon during which they challenged teams of young people to propose ways to combat distracted driving, and from that, the framework of Call Me Out was conceived.

The new app combines two very powerful forces: technology and those we love. Users can have their friends and family record a message through the app that will activate when the user tries to use their phone while driving; "calling them out" and making them think twice about the huge risk they're taking to answer a text or post on social media when on the road.

“As the father of two daughters, I am keenly aware of all the perils that my children face out in the world on a daily basis, and that is why it is so important for GM and Chevrolet to offer technologies that help all of us become safer drivers,” says Alan Batey, president of GM North America and head of Global Chevrolet. “With Call Me Out we are extending our commitment beyond the technologies integrated into GM and Chevy vehicles and are making the app available for Android phone users who drive other vehicle makes and models in an effort to help people change their driving behavior and make our roads safer.”

HOW IT WORKS

Call Me Out uses the voices of the driver's loved ones to encourage them to put their phone down and concentrate on the road.

Currently, the app is only available to Android phone users who can download it for free in the Google Play store.

The app utilizes the vehicle's accelerometer and GPS to detect when the driver physically picks up their phone while traveling at speeds of more than 5 MPH, at which point it plays recorded, personalized messages from friends and family that remind them that notifications are not as important as the people who love them.

The app also adds a little competition to help encourage drivers to stay safe on the road, featuring a scoreboard and rankings, and keeping score of how much the user handles their phone. The less they do, the higher their score and rank on the leaderboard.

“Today’s vehicles offer a range of active safety features like Lane Keep Assist and Forward Automatic Braking that help drivers stay more aware of their surroundings,” says Tricia Morrow, Chevy safety engineer.

“But we also know the vehicle is only one element. Chevy’s Call Me Out app gives drivers another great tool to reinforce good driving behaviors — and as a mom of a teenage daughter, I personally know how important it is to model good driving behaviors and encourage others to do the same.”

Drivers must be 18 years or older and have a compatible device and data plan to use Call Me Out.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

10 Fall Traditions and the Histories Behind Them

BAY CITY, Mich. -- With Fall just around the corner, many of us here in the Mitten will no doubt be partaking in some seasonal activities! Things like bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving, and more have been around for ages - but have you ever wondered where they came from?

Graff Bay City is here to share with you the interesting histories behind some long-standing Fall traditions!

1. BOBBING FOR APPLES

You know the drill. Dunk your head into a bucket full of water and apples, hands behind your back, and try to grab one of them in your teeth. We're sure you've been to a Halloween party or two where this fun Fall game went on, but its origins are more related to romance than spookiness.

Bobbing for apples began in Britain as a courting ritual, during which a group of young girls would each the carve the name of their crush into an apple and were given three tries to catch it as it floated in a bucket of water. Snagging their apple on the first try meant "happily ever after", the second try meant a short fling would ensue, and the third try meant they would never marry (a little harsh, we think). Though it lost popularity with the British in the 1800s, it was revived in the American colonies as a party game during the harvest season rather than an archaic version of Love Connection.

2. CARVING PUMPKINS

As a kid, we bet one of the things you looked forward to the most when Fall rolled around was carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. This tradition most popular around Halloween has its roots in the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, which dates back as far as the 1500s. Having been locked out of Heaven for being so mean to others in life as well as Hell due to a deal with the Devil, Stingy Jack was doomed to roam alone forever in the darkness of purgatory. To light his way, he hollowed out a turnip he kept in his pocket into a lantern and filled it with an ember the Devil had given him out of pity. Thus he became "Jack of the Lantern".

For years, kids in Ireland would carve turnips with their parents around Halloween, and those who emigrated to America took the tradition with them. It was here that they started using pumpkins, as they discovered that they were bigger and easier to carve.

3. CORNUCOPIA

Usually found on Thanksgiving tables as a centerpiece, the cornucopia originates from Greek mythology and Amalthea, the foster mother of Zeus who is closely associated with goats, and sometimes depicted as a goat. The story goes that Amalthea accidentally broke off one of her horns, and Zeus felt so bad that he worked his god-magic on the horn making it forever provide for her everything she wanted and needed. This is why the cornucopia is shaped like a horn and has long symbolized abundance and a plentiful harvest.

4. HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS

For many people, Halloween isn't just a day, it's a month-long celebration. In the days counting down to the spooky Fall holiday, part of that celebration involves getting the bejeezus scared out of them at a haunted house or several. The idea of an attraction designed specifically for scares has its roots in 19th century London when Madame Tussaud exhibited incredibly lifelike wax figures getting beheaded by a guillotine. However, it wasn't until Disneyland unveiled their famous Haunted Mansion ride in 1969 that haunted attractions became the mainstream phenomenon and seasonal essential that they are today.

5. BLACK FRIDAY

Officially the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday is a holiday in and of itself. But why do we brave the department stores every year to participate in this retail version of the Hunger Games? In the 1950s, the Philadelphia police force used the term to describe the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of rowdy fans would show up in town for the annual Army-Navy football game held the following Saturday. Local retailers then decided to capitalize on this surge of potential customers by offering huge discounts on their merchandise, originally calling it "Big Friday", but the police term ended up being the one that stuck. By the 1980s, the day of sales became a nationwide occurrence.

6. MOVEMBER

Throughout the month of November, men all over the world grow out their facial hair in support of men's health. But where did "Movember" come from? In 1999, a group of guys in Australia came up with the idea to raise money for charity by growing out their mustaches for a whole month, and many other organizations had adopted the practice by 2003. Since then, the Movember Foundation has raised over $710 million to combat and raise awareness about health issues affecting men like testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

7. ELECTION DAY

Ever wonder why Election Day is held in the Fall? Back when Congress designated an official Election Day in 1845, much of America was still largely agricultural and many people had to travel up to a day to reach their nearest voting precinct. In order to make sure farmers had enough time to cast their ballot, a two-day window had to be kept open, but they had to keep a couple things in mind. Sundays were for church, Wednesdays were when many farmers would go to market - so they settled on Tuesday. As for why it's in November, the month fell after the harvest and came before the snow.

8. DAY OF THE DEAD

Beginning on Halloween and running through November 2nd, the Day of the Dead (or "Dia de Los Muertos") is an annual Mexican tradition, originating from the country's indigenous tribes, that honors those who've passed on. Aspects of the tradition include leaving things that the deceased enjoyed in life, such as their favorite possessions and even food, on their grave. Another practice is leaving a trail of marigolds, a flower associated with death in Mexico, from the cemetery to the front door of the family home, as it is believed that the bright color and strong scent helps to guide the spirits of the dead back to their loved ones. The celebration is not exclusive to family members, however, as leftover food, as well as blankets and pillows, are left outside for spirits who may not have anyone to mourn them.

9. TRICK-OR-TREATING

When you think of Fall, you think of Halloween. When you think of Halloween, you think of trick-or-treating! This tradition originates from the Celtic practice of celebrating the end of the year by dressing up as evil spirits. The Celts believed that the realms of the living and the dead overlapped as the transition to the new year began, and thus also left the door to our world open to demons. Disguising oneself as one of these baddies from the underworld meant that you would be protected, which is why we dress up as all things spooky on this day.

As for why we go door to door asking for candy, that has its roots in the time when the Catholic Church converted the Celtic celebration from "Halloween" to "All Hallows Eve", and ordered that participants dress up as saints and angels rather than demons. Children would then go door to door asking for food or money in exchange for songs or prayers in the name of the dead, a practice called "souling". Over the years since then, both traditions have melded into what we now call "trick-or-treating".

10. MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

Possibly one of the biggest events of the season, the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade actually started out as the Christmas Parade and was initially devised to build hype for the retailer's flagship store in Manhattan, which took up an entire block and was the self-proclaimed "World's Largest Store". The parade was such a hit, however, that they decided to host it every year, switching it to Thanksgiving Day in 1927.

What's your favorite Fall tradition? Feel free to share it with us! From all of us at Graff Bay City, we hope you have a spectacular season!

Saturday, September 8, 2018

The Future Is Female: GM Forms the First-Ever, All-Girl Robotics Team in Detroit

BAY CITY, Mich. -- In addition to leading the company's autonomous vehicle development, General Motors engineer Keysha Camps is helping to secure the future of engineering for women by teaching a group of high school girls in Detroit the skills they need to succeed. The girls in question, who call their all-girl robotics team the Mercy Midnight Storm (after the Mercy Education Project from which they hail), are part of the future of autonomous vehicle technology, according to Camps.

The Mercy Midnight Storm is Detroit's first all-girl robotics team to be part of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization and competes against other Michigan high schools in various robotics competitions. FIRST is a global initiative that promotes interest and education in the fields of science and technology amongst youth through accessible and innovative programs.

The mentorship that Camps provides to the girls of Mercy Midnight Storm through FIRST is invaluable, as women make up only 14% of American engineers and one-in-four bachelor's degrees in engineering are awarded to women. Camps strives to increase these numbers by being a positive female role model to girls with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and encouraging them to break down gender barriers in these predominately male fields.

Camps says that she initially decided to join the FIRST organization because she wanted to help kids in Detroit, and was inspired by the numerous non-profits operating in the city aimed at improving the lives of youth. Her efforts with the Mercy Midnight Storm reflects the example set by GM CEO Mary Barra, who herself holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering along with an MBA.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

The 2019 Colorado Comes In Two New, Pretty Colors

BAY CITY, Mich. -- In addition to several updates to its technology and connectivity as well as safety, the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is slated to be available in two new, awesome colors: Crush and Shadow Gray Metallic.

CRUSH

Arguably the most exciting of the two, the 2019 Colorado's bright orange "Crush" exterior color makes this mid-sized pick-up look as rad as it is. This live-wire hue is available as a $395 upgrade in conjunction with both interior options (jet black and jet black with dark ash accents).

SHADOW GRAY METALLIC

This sleek and sharp colorway adds a new level of class to this beastly truck. Shadow Gray Metallic does not have an upgrade fee, which means that it's included in the price of whatever 2019 Colorado you choose. On top of that, it's available with both the jet black and jet black with dark ash accents interior options. Gray is the new black.

Stay tuned to Graff Bay City for availability regarding the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado and it's awesome new exterior colors!