Hank Graff Chevrolet - Bay City: Chevy

Showing posts with label Chevy. Show all posts

Monday, April 1, 2019

Chevy and Detroit Tigers Kick Off the 2019 MLB Season

BAY CITY, Mich. -- With the installation of two all-new vehicles atop Comerica Park's center field fountain, Chevrolet and the Detroit Tigers kick-off the 2019 Major League Baseball season - a tradition now in its 10th year that's become as much a part of Motor City culture as both the automaker and team.

A red 2019 Traverse High Country and silver 2019 Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss majestically grace the Chevrolet fountain, located center field, enhancing the ballpark's skyline and speaking to the brand's historic relationship with the game, being the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball in addition to the Official Automotive Sponsor of the PLAY BALL initiative. Through programs like Chevy Cares and Chevy Youth Baseball, kids all over the country have been empowered to stay active, build self-esteem, and gain valuable leadership skills.

"This decade-old tradition allows us to celebrate Chevy's connection to baseball in our hometown, and it's a telltale sign that Opening Day is almost here," said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. "The Traverse and Silverado represent innovation, endurance and personality — much like our great city of Detroit."

The heavy-hitting Traverse and Silverado exemplify the dependability, quality, and reliability imperative to getting through the six-month baseball season, and will be joining the city's adoring fans in cheering on the Tigers at every home game.

“Chevrolet and the Detroit Tigers are two of the Motor City’s most iconic brands, and we’re honored to be celebrating the 10-year mark of this great tradition,” said Chris Granger, Group President of Sports and Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings Inc. “Chevy continues to be great partner not only to the Tigers, but with all of us in the Major League Baseball family.”

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, February 25, 2019

Chevy Simplifies Checking-In with All-New Vehicle Locate

BAY CITY, Mich. -- We've all forgotten to let a friend or family member know that we arrived safely at our destination. Chevrolet recently rolled out a new feature on their popular myChevrolet mobile app that helps to ease worries about our loved ones and make the process of checking-in much more convenient, called Vehicle Locate. It allows Chevy drivers to send out automated text alerts directly to an indicated contact(s) phone when their connected vehicle arrives and departs from an address.

Vehicle Locate replaces the previous Family Link Service, which was entirely web-based. When setting up Vehicle Locate, you have the option of creating a boundary radius as wide as 20 miles or indicate specific destinations. Then you can select up to 10 people to send an alert to once your vehicle has entered or left the area, with each having to opt-in to receive it.

“At Chevrolet, we aim to make our drivers’ lives easier through smart and purposeful technologies,” says Alejandra Gonzalez, product manager, Remote Services, Chevrolet. “Vehicle Locate provides both drivers and their loved ones with peace of mind in a variety of different drive-related scenarios.”

The Vehicle Locate feature is available to owners of 2012 or newer Chevrolet vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The service is a part of the OnStar Remote Access Plan, which includes other convenience features such as remote key fob and on-demand vehicle diagnostics for $14.99/month.

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.

Follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube, & Instagram

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.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Chevy Unveils the First Look at the 2020 Silverado HD

BAY CITY, Mich. -- If there's something to be said about Chevy, it's that they know the diversity of their customer base - particularly those who drive trucks. As such, the brand has revealed four new distinct trim levels for the all-new 2020 Silverado HD: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and course High Country.

This diverse selection follows the expanded range of choices offered on the new Silverado 1500, which features eight levels. Just like the 2019 model, each flavor of the 2020 model boasts distinctive design, technology, and features to meet the discerning tastes and requirements of HD drivers.

“Truck customers are very clear: They want the perfect truck for them and not a ‘one size fits most’ truck compromised for the masses,” says Mike Simcoe, vice president, Global Design, General Motors. “That insight shaped our strategy for the next-generation Silverado franchise, providing customers more differentiation between the Silverado 1500 and the Silverado HD as well as more personalization and differentiation between individual trim levels.”

For example, every 2020 Silverado HD model features design details unique to its trim such as either the Chevrolet stamped bar or the iconic bowtie logo with a combination of black, body color, chrome, or two-tone metallic as available on the High Country.

“We took into account every detail of what customers expect, and how they will use their truck,” says Simcoe. “The results are unique versions of the Silverado HD equally at home working on a construction site or pulling a camping trailer.”

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD is expected to go on sale in mid-2019, so keep it tuned here to the Graff Bay City blog where we will release information about the trim levels, as well as updates regarding availability!

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Happy Birthday to the Chevy Colorado!

BAY CITY, Mich. -- This November the Chevrolet Colorado turns 4! This segment redefining truck has taken the US market by storm reignited an interest in midsize utility vehicles, and made GM the most successful truck company for the last four years, selling 634, 505 more pickups than their closest competitor.

In celebration of this truck legend's birthday, Chevy is expanding the Colorado family with two 2019 special editions, the off-road package Z71 Trail Runner and the street-savvy RST. The Z71 features your standard off-roading accessories and adds the ZR2's amazing underbody protection. Additional changes include a stamped aluminum front, mid skid plates, functional rocker protection, and Goodyear Duratrac tires. The RST ramps up the typical street features offered on the Tahoe, Suburban, and all-new Silverado, but with a slightly more sophisticated edge. It includes LT trim, a monochromatic exterior offset, a black beltline, body side moldings, a black tailgate bowtie, in addition to, Colorado and RST badges. It's also the first Colorado to offer 20-inch wheels, finished in a low-gloss black.

Additionally, both releases feature the flow-through "CHEVROLET" lettered grille, first released on the Colorado ZR2 Bison, which can also be purchased as an accessory for $395 plus installation and tax.

With these new additions, the Colorado lineup now offers new levels of off-road capability and street smart possibility. Sandor Piszar, director of marketing for Chevrolet trucks said the Colorado has and will continue to "change what customers expect from a midsize truck, inspire competitors, and bring new customers to Chevrolet". We wish someone would say such nice things about us on our birthday.

The 2019 Colorado releases join numerous other GM special editions and fully redesigned models for this upcoming year, foreshadowing a profitable year for the corporation. Which release has been your favorite so far? Comment and let us know! We love hearing from you.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Youth Baseball Coach Receives the Inaugural Chevy Cares Award at World Series

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Chevrolet presented the first-ever Chevy Cares Award to youth baseball coach Mike Van Cleave, who has been involved with the Clairemont Hilltoppers in San Diego for over 50 years - beginning as a player himself at the age of eight. In a special on-field ceremony before Game Two of the World Series at Boston's Fenway Park, Van Cleve an engraved glass trophy as well as a brand new 2019 Chevy Travers for his dedication to training, mentoring and investing in the lives of youth baseball players.

Over the past 45 years, Van Cleve has coached hundreds of kids. Nowadays, his involvement stretches beyond the diamond as he is in charge of uniforms and equipment, mows and maintains the field, actively attends board meetings, works on schedules, and participates in fundraisers.

“Mike goes above and beyond in his selfless dedication to youth baseball and the children on his team and in his community – the commitment and values that he demonstrates through his work are the same that drive all of us at Chevrolet every day to put our customers first and contribute in a meaningful way to the communities where we live and work,” says Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “We’re proud to honor Mike with the first Chevy Cares Award and a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse – a family vehicle perfect for hauling both equipment and team members to every game.”

Like Van Cleve, Chevrolet is deeply invested in the sport of baseball as well as the lives of youth who play it. In addition to being the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball, Chevy is also the Official Automotive Sponsor of PLAY BALL, an initiative to support America's national pastime and encourage young people and communities to participate in baseball and softball - whether by way of formal leagues or casual play.

Since 2006, PLAY BALL has empowered more than 7.3 million kids to get in the game through the Chevy Youth Baseball Program. The initiative also sponsors equipment and uniform donations, instructional clinics, and field refurbishment.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

You'll Be In Shock Over This New Camaro Color

The Chevy Camaro has sported a fairly tame palette offering, until now. The 2019 models are here and they've received a total makeover, with vibrant, new colors and modernized nose detail. Shock, the latest color offering, is headed for unveiling at SEMA on the 30th of this month. This extreme highlighter yellow shade is garnering quite the buzz among auto enthusiasts producing a mixture of both positive and negative feedback.

Although Chevy has not released any information about exactly which Camaro models are being offered in Shock, we do know that production with the new neon offering will begin early next year and will likely be an extra-cost option like the current red and orange color options. The restyled front features a relocated bow-tie emblem, as well as stunning after-market accessories like black badges and a rear spoiler to round out the new appearance. The aesthetics aren't the only upgrades on the 2019 models, however, as they feature new wheel design, state-of-the-art Chevy Infotainment systems, full-display rearview camera mirror, and forward collision alert. In addition, the 2019 Camaro sports a lower price tag than the 2018 model, $405 dollars cheaper to be exact.

Do you love the new color, but not muscle cars? Fun fact: this color is also currently available on the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

What are your thoughts on the 2019 Chevy Camaro models? How about the color shock? Do you love it, or is it a bit too much? Comment and let us know, we love hearing from you.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Chevrolet and the American Cancer Society "Make Strides" Against Breast Cancer

BAY CITY, Mich. -- For the eighth consecutive year, General Motors and Chevrolet employees continue their contributions to the fight against breast cancer this month by supporting the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, by participating in various activities including employee walks, customer engagement, and event sponsorships.

As social media has become a powerful tool of awareness, Chevrolet has pledged to donate $5 for every post showing support for those affected by breast cancer that includes the #IDriveFor hashtag during the month of October. The campaign has already gained significant momentum across many platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - with posts comprising thousands of survivor stories, memorials, and displays of solidarity.

Through the #IDriveFor campaign and other Making Strides against Breast Cancer initiatives, Chevy pledges to donate all resulting contributions to the American Cancer Society to fund treatment and cure research, as well as the promotion of preventative and early detection procedures.

Chevrolet's continued support for breast cancer awareness is just one part of the brand's new community-focused marketing program, Chevy Cares. The program also encompasses the many efforts already put forth by Chevy such as support of military veterans and their families, youth sports, and disaster relief in areas where their employees live and work.

“We know that when we support causes that our employees, dealers and consumers are passionate about it helps bring communities together,” says Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “We are proud to roll out Chevy Cares as a unifying effort that will allow us and our dealers to do even more in the communities where we live and work, including building on the success of our partnership with the American Cancer Society to raise even more awareness and financial support for breast cancer research.”

Throughout the month of October, Chevrolet is participating in national, regional, and local activities, and encourage all to get involved with a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event near them to support those affected by breast cancer.

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.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus Special Editions Introduced by Chevrolet

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Chevrolet will be expanding the availability of the 6.2L V-8 engine within its line-up of full-size SUVs with the introduction of the Tahoe and Suburban Premier Plus special editions.

Originally available in the full-size SUV line-up on the 2018 Tahoe RST 6.2L Performance Package, the engine also recently debuted on the 2019 Suburban RST 6.2L Performance Package, and is now available at Chevrolet dealerships nationwide.

All Premier Plus vehicles, as well as Premier RST with the optional 6.2L Performance Package, feature Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration in addition to a Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Magnetic Ride Control is an active suspension system that "reads" the road every millisecond, triggering dampening changes in the electronically controlled shock absorbers in as little as 10-15 milliseconds, and resulting in improved body-motion control while cornering and an overall more comfortable cruising experience.

The 10-speed automatic transmission on the 2019 Premier Plus special editions offers smaller steps between each ratio to maximize engine power under acceleration. Utilizing a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and lower top gear ratio, the Hydra-Matic transmission is also designed to reduce revolutions at highway speeds.

“Our customers have shown strong demand for both Tahoe and Suburban with the 6.2L V-8 option,” said Sandor Piszar, director of Chevrolet Trucks Marketing and Advertising. “Thirty-six percent of all Chevy full-size SUV special edition models are now sold with this engine. Premier Plus gives both Suburban and Tahoe customers another option to choose from with several added premium touches.”

Also featured on the 2019 Chevrolet Premier Plus special edition vehicles is a unique interior with heated and ventilated black/mahogany, leather-appointed seats against a jet black trim surround. Along with 22-inch polished wheels, this premium two-tone interior makes its line-up debut on the 2019 Premier Plus special editions.

Other appearance features include gold "bowtie" emblems, chrome nameplate badging, a head-up display and 8-inch diagonal cluster, cross rails, chrome power steps and exhaust tip, and Chevrolet-branded cargo organizer.

In terms of connectivity, the 2019 Premier Plus special editions include a 12-month data plan of a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 6.2L V-8 engine now available on the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban is capable of 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque. It also delivers three state-of-the-art technologies including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, and continuously variable valve timing in order for drivers to get the most out of power, torque, and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the availability of the 2019 Premier Plus special edition Tahoe and Suburban at Graff Bay City!

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Chevy and Shell Introduce Fuel Payment Option from the Driver's Seat

BAY CITY, Mich. -- Chevrolet and Shell have partnered up to introduce the industry-first, embedded in-dash fuel payment system. This system will offer owners of eligible Chevy vehicles the option to pay for gas directly from their vehicle's touchscreen at participating Shell gas stations, all without swiping a credit card or using a mobile device.

Embedded in-dash fueling is powered by Marketplace, the automotive industry's first commerce platform for on-demand reservations and purchases of goods and services. In addition to allowing users to now find and pay for fuel at participating Shell gas stations, Marketplace's additional capabilities include ordering food, making dinner reservations, and finding parking or hotels; all from the comfort of the driver's seat.

“We introduced Marketplace to deliver value, productivity, and convenience to our customers,” says Rick Ruskin, senior manager, Online Commerce, Chevrolet. “Bringing the Shell Pay & Save functionality right on the touchscreen of our vehicles is the latest advancement of this platform, allowing drivers to simply access Fuel Rewards and pay for gas while inside their car.”

Additionally, Shell allows Marketplace users ease of navigation to the nearest Shell station, as well as all the perks that come with the FuelRewards program. With the rollout of in-dash fuel payment to the nation's largest branded fueling network, Chevy drivers will be able to pay and save on gas right in their vehicles.

“Being the first to deliver this type of in-dash fuel payment and savings is very exciting,” says Sydney Kimball, vice president, Fuel Sales and Marketing Americas for Shell Oil Products U.S. “At Shell we are constantly working to develop better products and services for our customers, and we are always evolving according to their transforming needs and expectations around convenience, quality, digitalization, and service. We’re thrilled to be working with Chevrolet to make this a reality.”

In-dash payment and savings at Shell-branded stations is currently available in select markets, with nationwide rollout planned throughout the coming months. Marketplace is available in eligible 2017MY and newer Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Chevy News: Indianapolis 500 Winner and New Vehicle Packages, Options Announced

BAY CITY, Mich. – Chevy has been in the news a lot recently, as they continue to have a successful 2018. On top of rolling out new information on the 2019 Silverado 1500 and 2019 Suburban, Chevy was proud to have two of their vehicles place 1st and 2nd in the recent Indianapolis 500. Now is an exciting time to be a Chevy driver, so read below for more updates on your favorite Detroit motor-brand!

Chevrolet Finishes in 1st and 2nd Place in the 102 Indianapolis 500

The most exciting Chevrolet news revolves around the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet Driver Will Power. On May 27th, Power claimed victory at the 102 Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana. His Chevy victory news came as he won a 3.1589 victory over Ed Carpenter, a pole sitter.

“I can’t describe it,” Power stated. “I feel like collapsing. I want to cry. I was wondering if I would ever win it and thoughts went through my mind during the month. This was the last box to tick, but I’m done.”

This Chevrolet news of triumph dates back to the days of Rick Mears, who won the pole for Team Penske during 1988. Power is the first Australian to win the Indy 500 and to gain victory on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and the 2,439-mile, 14-turn road, which uses sections of the 2.5-mile oval to complete the sweep.

2019 Suburban RST Performance Package Announced

While Power’s victory is hitting the top of the Chevy news everywhere, what is just as exciting is the announcement of the new 2019 Suburban RST Performance Package. The new 2019 Suburban RST will sport a 420 hp, 6.2L V-8 engine, a modern Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission, and Magnetic Ride Control with performance calibration.

This marks the first time Suburban will offer the 6.2L V-8, which has 460 lb-ft of torque and 420 horsepower.

“The RST Performance Package made its debut on the Tahoe RST last spring, and the response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive,” Chevy Trucks Marketing and Advertising Director Sandor Piszar stated. “In fact, Tahoe RST with the Performance Package is the fastest-turning Tahoe model, and we’ve received customer requests to offer the same performance and power to Suburban RST.”

Chevy fans will be excited to hear that the Suburban RST performance accessories include a custom tuned Performance Dual-Side Exit exhaust system and an available Performance front brake upgrade package. The Performance Package is available as an upgrade to the Suburban RST, introduced last year.

2019 Silverado 1500 Engine and Transmission Options Announced

The announcement of the engine and transmission options for the 2019 Silverado 1500 could not have come sooner for Chevy lovers. With eight different trim levels as paired with six engine and transmission options, they are seeking to serve three different customers: High Value, High Volume, and High Feature. Options for the engine include the 4.3L V-6, 2.7L Turbo, 5.3L V-8, and the Duramax 3.0L inline-six Turbo Diesel. Silverado 1500 Chief Engineer Tim Asoklis said the performance of the different engines and transmissions will benefit from the truck being lighter.

“With less weight and less wind resistance, we improved the driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiently,” Asoklis said. He said the chassis feels more responsive and acceleration is more pronounced. With so many options for your new Chevy ride, Graff Bay City can help take you through all of your different options during your vehicle search. More Chevrolet news will be hitting the wire soon. So stay tuned!

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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