Everett earns Dealer of the Year award from DealerRater

Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC of Hickory, NC was announced DealerRater's 2013 Dealer of the Year Award Winner for Chevrolet, Buick and GMC in North Carolina. DealerRater is the world's #1 online resource for anyone seeking third-party information on automobile dealerships. DealerRater features 40,000 US and Canadian car dealers, and nearly 950,000 consumer dealership reviews.

DealerRater's Dealer of the Year Award Program recognizes a select number of car dealerships throughout the United States and Canada for outstanding customer satisfaction as expressed through customers’ online reviews posted on DealerRater.

In order to qualify for the award program, a dealership must meet the following criteria:

• At least 25 new reviews written on DealerRater’s web site during the previous calendar year.
• An average rating greater than 4.0, with 5.0 as the highest possible score.
• Must not have been blacklisted within the last 12 months.

The 2013 award winners demonstrate consistently high PowerScore ratings for customer satisfaction, placing them in the top of their class. The PowerScore is determined using a Bayesian algorithm that factors the dealership's average DealerRater consumer rating and the total number of reviews written about the dealership during the 2012 calendar year.

Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC currently has a review count of 257 and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from our consumers. This outstanding score was only possible because Everett has the best customers in the business. Thank you for helping us achieve this award!

To read our reviews or write one of your own, please visit: http://www.dealerrater.com/dealer/Everett-Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-review-4984/

Young buyers love the Chevrolet Spark

Early buyer data for the Chevrolet Spark shows that 29% of buyers are under 35, more than half are coming from non-General Motors' brands, and price is a big selling point.

According to Chevy Spark early buyer data, Spark owners are:

• The next-generation customer - Spark is "igniting" the interest of some of Chevrolet's youngest buyers.
• New to Chevy - Nearly 54% of Spark purchases are conquest sales - buyers who are new to the brand. More than 1 in 5 buyers is coming from an import car brand.
• Majority female - 51% of Sparks are purchased by women, more than any other Chevrolet vehicle.
• Sizzling with Salsa - 23% of Spark owners are choosing Salsa Red, making it the Spark's most popular exterior color. Jalapeno Green and Denim Blue come in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
• Seeking value and fuel economy - Early Spark owners indicate their most important reasons for purchasing a Spark were fuel economy and price to value.

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a 4-passenger, 5-door hatchback, was designed to challenge what's possible in the mini car segment. Spark is the only car in its segment to provide MyLink Radio - a 7-inch color touchscreen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for hands-free calling.

The Spark has the lowest starting MSRP in the mini car segment and offers competitive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 38 mpg highway.

Though small on the outside, Spark offers more passenger and cargo room than other mini cars, with 225 percent more cargo room than a Scion iQ and 20 percent more than a Fiat 500.

Launched in Korea in 2009 and now available in almost every country in the world, the Spark came to the US market in response to the growing popularity of mini cars in America.

To test drive the colorful and nimble Chevrolet Spark, please stop by Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hickory, NC. Or start your vehicle search online at www.everettchevy.com.

Tech Toolbox: Most important tool

What is in a technician’s tool box? Do you visualize the latest touch screen computerized diagnostic tools neatly stowed among rows of various adapters and chords? Maybe you imagine gleaming chrome wrenches, meticulously organized by size. 

Opening a technician’s tool box drawer by drawer you would find tools for all jobs; however, the most important tool for a technician is missing. It is the most costly tool, but cannot be bought with money. The most important tool that all technicians bring to work with them is their knowledge.

The physical tools themselves may be of the highest quality, but they do not know which part is malfunctioning and needs replacement. It is all of the factual education mixed with lessons learned from experience that makes Everett’s technicians a cut above the rest. Everett Certified Service personnel attend classes specific to General Motors products.

In addition to General Motors technical certifications, Everett Certified Service technicians are also certified by the Automotive Service Excellence program (ASE).

ASE was started in 1972 as a way to test the knowledge of technicians. To receive an ASE certification, a technician must pass a written test and have at least two years of experience in the automotive field. The ASE blue seal is a symbol worn as proof that a technician has the most important tool of all: knowledge. 

With the constant change in automotive technology comes the need for constant education for technicians. Both GM training and ASE certification require annual renewal to ensure technicians are up to date on the latest technology.

Everett Certified Service means just that. Our technician’s maintain certification by both General Motors and ASE. The Everett service team is the most knowledgeable in the business and that’s what makes us better.

We look forward to providing you and your vehicle with Certified Service!

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

Return of the Stingray: The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

Chevrolet redefined modern performance with its Jan. 13 debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model.

The Corvette is notorious for delivering high-level design and technology, as well as first-rate driving experiences. The all-new Corvette Stingray continues the tradition and Corvette owners and enthusiasts are going to love it!

The all-new Corvette Stingray incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs for Hickory area drivers. Highlights include:

• An interior that includes real carbon fiber, aluminum and hand-wrapped leather materials, two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support – and dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens
• Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to the fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time
• An all-new 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine combines advanced technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system that delivers more power while using less fuel
• Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable roof panel; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio
• A sculptured exterior features advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability
• Track-capable Z51 Performance Package including: an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump oiling system, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling, as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.

The new Corvette Stingray will be built at GM’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant, which underwent a $131-million upgrade, including approximately $52 million for a new body shop to manufacture the aluminum frame in-house for the first time.

Corvette engineers believe the vehicle represents the future of modern performance cars because it delivers more power, more driving excitement and better fuel efficiency. The result is better performance by every measure. The 2014 Corvette delivers the fastest acceleration, the most cornering grip, the most track capability, the best braking performance and what engineers expect to be the best fuel economy ever for a standard Corvette.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC in the third quarter of 2013, but we’re accepting pre-orders right now. For more information about pre-ordering your Stingray please call 828.327.9171 to speak to a Sales Manager or send us an email at stingray@everettchevy.com

Tech Toolbox: Grown up sleds

As children, we laid awake looking out into the yard watching the snow fall. Coming in silent torrents, a blanket of snow transforms the land into a plush dreamscape of no school and downhill sledding. Through the years, the sled may change from a wooden frame with metal runners to a four wheel drive vehicle, but the feeling of exhilaration is the same. By the way, when was the last time you had your four wheel drive checked over?

 

Modern technology has brought about the convenience of push button four wheel drive; unfortunately, it also allows us to take for granted what four wheel drive means. A four wheel drive vehicle’s drive trains consist of three extra components: a front axle, drive shaft and a transfer case. A two wheel drive vehicle’s engine rotates the transmission which rotates the rear axle using the rear drive shaft. On a four wheel drive vehicle, the transmission rotates the transfer case which is capable of rotating either the rear drive shaft and front drive shaft at the same time or just the rear drive shaft. This system is referred to as selective four wheel drive, meaning the driver can select between four wheel and two wheel drive. On some vehicles, the transfer case always rotates both drive shafts resulting in full time four wheel drive.

On both selective four wheel drive and full time four wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case needs to be shifted between two wheel drive and four wheel drive modes. On push button models, this is achieved by an electronic motor referred to as an encoder motor. The front axle actuator is an electronic motor that locks the front axle to gather for four wheel drive operation. Both of these are controlled by a computer called the Transfer Case Control Module or TCCM.

In addition to providing four wheel drive and two wheel drive, the transfer case also has the capability to provide additional gear reduction to help in severe conditions. This function is referred to as low range four wheel drive.

Now that you know more about what happens when you push the four wheel drive button, you may ask yourself what it takes to ensure it is working when you need it. Both front and rear axles simply need the fluid changed and inspected for leaks or excessive play. The transfer case also needs its fluid changed, inspected for leaks and a functional check of the shifting mechanism. Front and rear drive shafts should have the splines and joints lubed and inspected for free range of motion.

Everett’s service staff will be glad to service your four wheel drive system; however, we are committed to more than just service. Our service staff not only has the knowledge to fix your vehicle, we also want to help you understand your vehicle. That’s the Everett Advantage and that’s what makes us better.

David Gibbs
Certified Service Technician
Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC

All-new Malibu put to the test against winter weather

In order to ensure improved quality and durability for Hickory area drivers, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Turbo engineers have taken vehicle development and validation testing to the extremes. The location for all of this torture testing? General Motors’ Climatic Wind Tunnel in Warren, Michigan, where all Chevrolet vehicles take on the elements.

The Malibu Turbo went on sale at Everett Chevrolet Buick GMC this past fall. Prior to arrival, on the hottest days of summer, Malibu Turbo withstood blizzard and hurricane conditions inside the wind tunnel. Inside this tunnel, the temperature can replicate 40 below zero and the wind can blow 150 mph. Even on the coldest nights of winter, the tunnel’s temperature can easily climb to 140 degrees under 1,155 watts per square meter of simulated sunshine.

At this state-of-the-art facility, engineers take vehicle development and validation testing to the extremes, subjecting powertrain cooling, cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to the harshest weather conditions found in Death Valley, California, and Denali, Alaska.

The wind tunnel also simulates driving actual roads with real-world weight burdens, such as hauling a fully loaded trailer up a steep incline by applying resistance through the wheels of the tunnel’s dynamometer, a tool that also allows simulated driving speeds of up to 155 mph.

Mother nature can put North Carolina drivers through the worst conditions. Torture testing is an essential part of production. The testing Malibu engineers conduct ensures that the car will perform extremely well when customers come face to face with harsh weather conditions.

Engineers used the tunnel’s blizzard-making capability to test Malibu Turbo’s air induction system, which is designed to prevent snow from clogging the vehicle’s air cleaning system. The system’s torturous path of multiple barriers blocks water molecules while allowing air to flow freely for engine combustion.

Malibu Turbo’s powertrain cooling system was developed in the tunnel and attuned to the car’s specific powertrain heat outputs and airflow characteristics to provide optimal performance even in extreme heat and cold. The system is designed to allow wide open throttle acceleration at egg-frying Death Valley temperatures, and has been validated in that desert location.

Malibu Turbo’s occupant comfort is just as important when the going gets hot. The car’s air conditioning system was tested against tunnel simulations of the high heat and humidity found along the Gulf Coast. This torture test helps ensure that Malibu Turbo’s all-new 2.0L engine delivers the rapid cool-down performance expected of a turbocharged power plant.

Climatic torture testing helps Chevrolet deliver improved quality and durability. Malibu topped the midsize sedan category in a recent third-party quality study, due in part to development work done at the Climatic Wind Tunnel.

 

 

 

 

New signs for Hickory Used

If you're driving down Highway 70 in Hickory, you should notice some major changes at Hickory Used Car Superstore. Last week, the store finally had its permanent signage and pole banners installed. We think it looks great!

Hickory Used Car Superstore - new showroom tower and service entry

 

Hickory Used Car Superstore - pole banners

 

So if you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and check out the new signs, browse our inventory, or have your vehicle serviced. Hickory Used Car Superstore is excited to grow and thrive in the Hickory community. For more information, visit www.hickoryused.com or call 828.855.9405.