Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: January 2019

Monday, January 21, 2019

Music Runs Deep: Our Top 5 Chevy-Related Songs

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Cars are no doubt a popular subject in music, but you'd be hard pressed to find another name that's been dropped more than Chevrolet. In fact, Bill Ludwig, CEO of Campbell-Ewald - the agency that handled the brand for 91 years - reported in 2006 that there were a whopping 545 songs written about Chevy. By 2011, there were over 700.

On top of that, the brand has historically incorporated the work of popular artists in their ad campaigns, dating back to the 1950s when Dinah Shore encouraged Americans to "See the USA in Your Chevrolet". Others include Bob Seger, whose "Like a Rock" headlined a hugely successful campaign for Chevy trucks in the 90s; as well as John Mellencamp, whose "Our Country" inspired an emotionally patriotic plug for the Silverado.

So without further ado, here are our Top 5 Favorite Chevy-Related Songs! Enjoy!

1. "Crocodile Rock" - Elton John
Let's head back to those heady days of rock n' roll, blue jeans, and old gold Chevys. Do you remember? This is a tune perfect for the airy summertime cruises we're so fond of here in the Mitten, and really captures the Americana spirit in which Chevy is firmly rooted. In fact, Elton John drew heavy inspiration from Bill Haley and the Comets, the group responsible for one of the most iconic songs associated with the era: "Rock Around the Clock".

2. "American Pie" - Don McLean
Perhaps the most famous Chevy-related song out there, Don McLean's epic ballad is the longest song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, and the longest to hold the number one spot. While the meaning behind the lyrics has long been debated, one of the most popular theories is the "loss of innocence" amongst the early rock n' roll generation, citing McLean's strong references to the tragically sudden loss of three era icons: Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens - widely considered "The Day the Music Died".
On a more positive note, you could also say that "American Pie" is something of a tender love letter to the glory days of classic America. A revolutionary time when McLean and his contemporaries shed the antiquated values of their elders in favor of a more free-spirited, bold, and authentic culture - sentiments that Chevy shares strongly.

3. "Chevrolet" - ZZ Top
It doesn't get more blatant than this offering from music's most famous beards. The song tells the story of an easy-riding road trip through the American Southwest - just a dude, his Chevy, and the open road. The "flat forty-one" that the narrator mentions is the 1941 Chevrolet Series AK pickup truck. Knowing that their trucks might soon be rolling into WWII, Chevy was pressed to design a stronger, more versatile pickup. The result was the Series AK, which marked a shift in appearance from the "car-like" models they previously produced to those that distinctively looked, handled, and held-up like the burly Chevy trucks we know and love today.

4. "I've Got a Rock 'N' Roll Heart" - Eric Clapton
While sharing your life with someone you really dig is exciting, it's important that through it all you remain true to who you are. Furthermore, your partner should accept it. That's why they fell for you anyway, right? Eric Clapton melodizes this sentiment of personal authenticity with smooth vocals and even smoother licks - putting it plainly that if you wanna be his lover, you gotta take him as he is. We feel you on that '57 Chevy though, Eric. swoon

5. "Go Lil' Camaro Go" - Ramones
Despite limited commercial success in their two-decade career, the Ramones are the veritable godfathers of punk rock - widely considered to be the first band to truly define the sound and heavily influencing countless acts after them both in the United States and the UK. This quick little number is just as fast as the legendary Camaro - and definitely just as fun.

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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Chevy Celebrates Diversity in 2019 Silverado Marketing Campaign

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Able to go from workhorse to weekend warrior and everything in-between, the all-new 2019 Silverado 1500 is a veritable cult of personality backed by the beastly strength that made it a legend. How do you promote the strongest, most advanced, and most diverse truck in your line-up? Simple. You create a larger-than-life marketing campaign that reaches virtually everyone, everywhere. And that's exactly what Chevy did.

The marketing and social campaign for the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is the most comprehensive ever devised by the brand - employing an extensive array of traditional, digital, and downright unconventional forms of media; pulling out all the stops to celebrate the truck's mass appeal in both design and engineering, as well as the heritage of expertise that made it what it is today.

“In today’s hyper-connected, always-on society, we knew the all-new Silverado launch campaign needed to be bold, engaging and comprehensive to break through the clutter while staying true to the brand’s values and overall advertising approach,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. “Leveraging all the available channels — traditional and new — along with unique partnerships and integrations allows us to reach both traditional truck buyers and potential new customers who may be drawn to the versatility and lifestyle that comes with owning a pickup truck.”

Leading off the campaign is a series of three TV, digital, and cinema spots:

"A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock n' Roll"
From the rural countryside to the gritty urban metropolis, the 2019 Silverado 1500 is designed and engineered for every facet of America.

"Official Truck of Real People" This spot showcases the versatility of the Silverado, demonstrating its ability to go seamlessly transition from work to play and everything in-between.

"Tailgates"

Like the people who drive it, the Silverado never forgets its roots. This spot highlights the 100 years of renowned dependability and truck expertise that defines its bloodline, punctuated by an industry-first, segment-exclusive up/down power tailgate.

Which 2019 Silverado 1500 spot is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! If you're interested in getting a truck of your own, click here to view our inventory then schedule a test drive!

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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Friday, January 11, 2019

All Tea, All Day: 5 Healthy Reasons to Drink Up

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. It is also arguably the most versatile drink around - able to be served at any temperature, for any occasion. During the bitterly cold winter months here in our beloved Mitten State, many of us can attest that there's nothing quite like a hot cup of the stuff to chase the chill from your bones.

In addition to its popularity, versatility, and downright deliciousness; tea has a long history of reverence for the wonderful benefits it provides both for the body and mind. It's never too late to make a change for the better when it comes to your health, and here are five ways tea can help you do it!

1. ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are natural compounds that help to promote cellular health. More recently, some studies suggest that they might even help to protect against several kinds of cancer including breast, colon, colorectal, lung, ovarian, and prostate to name a few. While the research has yet to produce concrete proof of cancer-fighting benefits, antioxidants are still great for overall physical well-being, and white tea is the best source.

2. A HEALTHY HEART

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 3 lives being claimed each year. Fortunately, of all the ways tea can benefit your health, some of the strongest evidence exists for how it can help your heart. A study published in early 2016 found that drinking one to three cups of green tea each day could potentially reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 20% and 35%, respectively. Furthermore, the same study found that drinking four or more cups each day could bump heart attack risk reduction up to 32%, as well as cut down on LDL cholesterol levels.

On the flip side, four cups of green tea may result in a ton of bathroom breaks. The good news is you can score the same heart health benefits from just one cup of matcha green tea, without the stress on your bladder.

3. ANXIETY RELIEF

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults. Although, despite being a highly treatable condition, only about 36% of those who live with anxiety receive treatment. Several factors contribute to this number, but one of the biggest is the potential risks of prescription medication. For those who prefer to take a more natural approach to anxiety management, there are many therapeutic qualities to be found in tea.

Symptoms of anxiety can include irritability, tension, and sometimes insomnia. Chamomile tea can help to relieve all three, acting as a natural muscle relaxant that in turn creates a sense of calm to promote restful sleep. During the day, lemon balm tea has the same relaxing effect on the body by aiding in cortisol reduction (a hormone known to cause stress) without causing drowsiness.

4. ENHANCED WORKOUT

Whether you hit the gym or workout at home, regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. For those looking to lose weight or increase endurance, you might be tempted to employ the use of dietary and energy supplements; which have the potential to do more harm than good in the form of gastrointestinal issues, irritability, headaches, and even heart problems in some cases.

Try tea instead. Studies have found that the catechins (antioxidants) in green tea help to speed up the body's ability to burn fat as fuel, which improves muscle endurance and may even contribute to weight loss. Additionally, green tea contains just enough caffeine to keep your energy levels up without the risks to your head and heart.

5. ORAL HEALTH

Last but not least, all that tea you're drinking is actually doing wonders for your mouth. The enzyme-rich compounds in black tea are found to prevent plaque and bacteria build-up on the teeth and gums - reducing the risk of decay and disease. And unlike many other beverages like juice and pop, tea does not erode the protective enamel on your teeth, resulting in a stronger smile.

What are some ways tea has benefitted your health? Tell us in the comments!

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.

Monday, January 7, 2019

Silverado's 6.2L V-8 Makes the 2019 Wards 10 Best Engines List

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Well-known for ceaseless innovation within the auto industry, Chevrolet once again snags an award for their work. This time its a spot on the 2019 Wards 10 Best Engines list, and the winner is 6.2L V-8 used on the 2019 Silverado - which incorporates Dynamic Fuel Management technology to save on fuel without sacrificing performance.

“General Motors’ thundering 420-horsepower V-8 in the Silverado exemplifies how engineers continue to find ways to improve efficiency without giving up something in return. DFM determines 80 times per second exactly how many cylinders require fuel to meet power demands. And, incredibly, it uses as few as two cylinders to propel the full-size pickup down the highway,” says Senior Content Director Drew Winter. “The truly amazing part is the cylinder deactivation is imperceptible, so seamless that the only thing the driver notices is fewer stops at the pump.”

In order to determine who snags a spot on the 10 Best Engines list, WardsAuto editors evaluate every all-new or significantly updated engine or electric propulsion system available on the US market, and the vehicles in which they reside must have a starting MSRP of $64,000. They then score the candidates based on horsepower, torque, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness, and noise characteristics.

The award-winning 6.2L V-8 and available 5.3L V-8 engines are the first of their kind to feature Dynamic Fuel Management. By alternating between eight and four-cylinder modes and utilizing 17 cylinder patterns, this greater authority mixes the cylinder patterns constantly to maximize power delivery at all speeds.

“Chevrolet first introduced its Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation system in 2005, and Dynamic Fuel Management is a natural progression of the technology,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer. “Dynamic Fuel Management enables only the cylinders needed to deliver the power you want, seamlessly delivering the best balance of power and fuel economy.”

The 6.2L engine with DFM is the largest and most powerful gas V-8 on the market and is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque paired with a Hydra-Matic 10-speed transmission.

Houseplant Appreciation Day: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Little Green in Your Life

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Besides the obvious visual appeal, houseplants provide a ton of benefits to virtually all aspects of your health. January 10th is Houseplant Appreciation Day, and we at Graff Bay City thought a perfect way to celebrate would be to share with you 5 reasons why you need a little green in your home!

1. IMPROVED AIR QUALITY

When you breathe, you inhale oxygen while exhaling carbon dioxide. For plants, it's the opposite! Through the process of photosynthesis, houseplants absorb the CO2 and replace it with oxygen, making it less stuffy and easier to breathe. On top of that, research has shown that plants also work as natural air purifiers. Most homes nowadays are climate-controlled and air-tight, resulting in trapped volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde (present in shopping bags, rugs, vinyl, and cigarette smoke), benzene and trichloroethylene (both present in man-made fibers, solvents, and paint). Plants pull these potentially harmful toxins directly into their soil, where the roots convert them into food.

2. PROPER HUMIDITY

When the air is too dry in your house, it can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable issues like itchy skin, chapped lips, sore throats, dry coughs, and sinus congestion. Rather than spending money on a big, clunky humidifier that you have to plug in and constantly refill - consider getting some houseplants instead! Plants release about 97% of the water they absorb back into the air. By placing several of them together, they help keep the humidity in your home at an acceptable level.

3. SENSE OF WELL-BEING

According to researchers at Kansas State University, having plants in hospital rooms drastically sped up the recovery process for post-op patients. The study showed that the patients with plants requested less pain medication, had lower heart rates and blood pressure, experienced less anxiety and fatigue, and were released back home much sooner than those without plants in their rooms. If you live with depression or anxiety, consider adding some houseplants to brighten up your space!

4. BETTER HEALTH

When the Dutch Product Board for Horticulture performed a study on the benefits of having plants in offices, they found the occurrence of fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats, and flu-like symptoms sharply decreased. The Agricultural University of Norway backed this up, finding that office sickness rates fell by 60% due to the presence of plants. If you're prone to getting sick easily or have a lot of people in your home, call on nature's immune booster to help lessen your chance of catching something!

5. SHARPENED FOCUS

The Royal College of Agriculture in England found that students who were taught and lectured in classrooms with plants demonstrated 70% better attentiveness than those without. If you need a little extra help staying productive and focused during your daily tasks, bring in some houseplants and let them do their thing!

Do you have any plants in your home? What benefits do you notice? Tell us in the comments!