Chevrolet Racing Claims 14 Championships in 2013

Chevy is winningest name in motorsport, clinching NASCAR, IndyCar, ALMS, GRAND-AM and Pirelli World Challenge titles

Chevrolet was the most successful name in professional motorsports in the United States this year, capturing 14 manufacturer, driver and team championships in NASCAR, IndyCar, ALMS, GRAND-AM and the Pirelli World Challenge series.

Chevrolet will kick off the 2014 season with the debut of the all-new Corvette C7.R at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new Corvette race car, wearing an updated “Jake” mascot, will make its competition debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Jan. 25-26, 2014.

“We had an amazing year in 2013, winning more championships in professional motorsport than any other manufacturer,” said Jim Campbell, General Motors’ U.S. vice president, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Our success was the direct result of considerable preparation, strategy, teamwork and great drive from our teams, drivers, and partners in open wheel, stock car, and sports car racing. We are looking forward to continuing that momentum for 2014.”

The Bob Brown Chevrolet 12 Hour Sales Event

This Saturday, December 14th, we are having a 12 Hour Sales Event!

With more than 1,000 new and preowned vehicles to choose from, you're sure to find the car you're looking for. Basically every vehicle is tagged with the lowest prices of the year. 

Hoping to trade-in your current vehicle? Well you're in luck. With 15 of the areas top buyers participating, you're ensured to earn top dollar for your trade-in. 

Don't miss this opportunity. The event will run from 7:00am - 7:00pm this Saturday.

See you there! 

Browse our inventory of new and preowned vehicles on the Bob Brown Chevrolet website.

An American Hero: The Tradition of Giving

An American Hero.

A little boy’s lesson in business has become an example of holiday giving he has shared with his family and community. Colby Groom, now 14, donated the profits he earned selling tool kits while riding along with his grandfather Mark Stuchel, who owned a Snap-on tool franchise, to purchase toys for other less-fortunate children. Eight years later, Colby’s grandmother, Suzan, and his sisters Cheyanne, 10, Courtney, 12, and Carissa, 8, share in his generosity. The family purchased 296 toys on Black Friday, which they donated to the area Toys for Tots drive. The program has provided more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children since its inception in 1947.

We are still accepting toy donations, which can be brought to any Bob Brown metro location.

All-New 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Redefines Midsize Trucks

 It's time to get excited for Chevy truck fans.

Chevrolet recently unveiled the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, which will redefine the midsize truck and offer real truck capability and versatility to customers who don’t require a full-size truck.
The new Colorado is built with the DNA of a true Chevy truck, expected to deliver class-leading power, payload and trailering ratings. Colorado goes on sale in fall 2014 as a 2015 model.

“Our strategy is simple: meet the needs of the broadest possible customer base, and let them choose precisely the right truck to meet their needs,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president and president of GM North America. “The all-new Colorado benefits from the solid foundation established by the Silverado, and it reinvents the midsize truck while reinvigorating the segment at the same time.”

The new Colorado was developed for the North American truck customer, with distinctive design, comfort and connectivity features, including segment firsts such as available forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Colorado will also offer the segment’s only diesel engine in its second year – a proven Duramax 2.8L I-4 turbodiesel already offered in global markets. The diesel engine will expand Colorado’s powertrain lineup to cover the broadest range of needs. 

The new Colorado’s technologies are aimed at complementing owners’ lifestyles with connectivity and other features that support their daily and recreational lives – and help keep them safe, including:

• Eight-inch diagonal color touch screen (LT, Z71) and multiple USB drives
• A 3.4-inch diagonal driver information screen in the instrument cluster
• Available next-generation OnStar and MyLink enhancements with gesture recognition and natural language voice recognition
• Available navigation

Browse our current selection of new Chevy trucks by visiting the Bob Brown Chevrolet website.

Nitrogen Vs. Oxygen: Which Is Better For Your Car Tires?

If you don't already know, there is an alternative to regular air when it comes to inflating your tires. Many claim that there are numerous advantages to filling your cars tires with nitrogen, and perhaps there is some truth to that.

Green valve stems indicate nitrogen

You may have noticed some tires that have green valve stems and/or caps. Those tires have been inflated using pure nitrogen, rather than plain old air. Atmospheric air contains 78 percent nitrogen as it is. Typically, the nitrogen you put in your tires would be 93 percent pure or above, to achieve the desired benefits.

Purported benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen include:

• Better pressure retention
• Improved fuel economy
• Cooler running temperatures
• Tire-rot prevention

Now, some argue that the benefits of using nitrogen do not exceed that of the cost. At dealerships, the upgrade to nitrogen can cost anywhere between $50 and $180. Then you will have to pay roughly $6 per tire to refill them. Compare that to say 75 cents per tire to fill them with conventional air at most gas stations—or possibly for free, depending on your local stations—you can see why detractors arguments may be valid.

It is certain that your tires will stay inflated longer with nitrogen. That equates directly to better fuel economy. And while tire-rot is not as common with modern cars, there is still some tenable possibility to save money. Really what it comes down to is just trying it out for yourself and determining whether it is cost-effective in the long run.

Browse our current selection of vehicles or schedule a service appointment on the Bob Brown Chevrolet website.

Nov

6

Learn More About Chevrolet's SEMA Concepts

Chevrolet today revealed six new concept trucks and SUVs on the eve of the SEMA Show, the annual convention of automotive performance parts and styling accessories. The uniquely styled vehicles represent performance and personalization variations of the 2014 Silverado 1500, as well as the all-new 2015 Silverado HD, Tahoe and Suburban.

The concepts include:

Silverado Cheyenne concept
The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne concept embraces the adage that less is more. With this performance-oriented concept of the all-new 2014 Silverado regular cab, a reduced curb weight and the performance of the new 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8 combine for a strong power-to-weight ratio and exhilarating performance.

Brad Paisley Signature Silverado
Like his music, the concept vehicle country star Brad Paisley collaborated on with Chevrolet designers blends tasteful country style with an edge, featuring a custom paint job, high-performance accents, a lowered stance and – no surprise here  – an amped-up sound system.

Tony Stewart Silverado concept
It takes a strong truck to live up to the speed, energy and passion of Tony Stewart. This Silverado LTZ Z71 concept was designed in conjunction with Stewart, with personal touches and Smoke^® graphics that symbolize his racing spirit. The exterior also features a Dark Tarnished Silver color, tinted headlamps and taillamps, and several Chevrolet Accessories components available through Chevy dealers, including a tonneau cover, four-inch chrome assist steps and 22-inch wheels with a custom finish. Inside, the Stewart’s signature is embroidered on the headrests.

Silverado Volunteer Firefighter concept
Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept to honor the service of first responders and share a vision of how the all-new, more capable 2014 Silverado can serve them. It features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off-Road suspension.

Silverado Black Ops concept
The Chevrolet Silverado Black Ops Crew Cab 4x4 concept was designed to be ready for anything. It builds on the truck’s strength, performance and safety with features designed to offer support in an emergency – including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military first aid kit, folding shovel and rope.

Silverado HD Dually tow vehicle
Demonstrating the hauling capability of the all-new 2015 Silverado HD lineup, this crew cab concept is shown in Chevrolet’s SEMA Show display hitched to a custom trailer holding a COPO Camaro race car and with a new COPO racing engine and transmission in the bed. Decked out in a custom Ice Blue exterior color and wearing custom lightweight aluminum wheels, the truck also sports Chevrolet Accessories components including six-inch chrome assist steps, a tool box and bed lights. The HD Dually tow vehicle is powered by the 6.0L gas engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tahoe Police concept
Chevrolet is readying a police version of the new Tahoe, and this concept offers a look at how law enforcement will be hitting the highway in it in the near future. The full complement of emergency lighting and police equipment is comes with the Tahoe 9C1 police package’s standard equipment, including a 5.3L V-8 engine rated at 355 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch steel wheels, police-specific suspension and auxiliary battery for emergency equipment.

“Chevrolet’s lineup of full-size trucks and SUVs is all-new and stronger than ever,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “No matter what your needs, whether it’s hauling lumber to a work site, delivering your kid’s soccer team to a game or towing your boat on a weekend fishing trip, Chevrolet has the vehicle with the capability, dependability and connectivity today’s truck customers want.”

To see our current selection of new Chevy's visit the Bob Brown Chevrolet website. 

The Absolute Best Roads in the World!

There are roads that draw people from all over the world. Whether its the sporty experience they offer, or simply the amazing views, these 10 roads are definitely worth visiting.

1. Great Ocean Road - Australia

This beautiful route is a 243 kilometres stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford.




2. Highway 1, aka "Big Sur" - California

Hwy 1 is carved out of the Pacific cliffs and spans almost all of California's coast. Enjoy picturesque views including the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.




3. Deals Gap, aka "Tail of The Dragon" - Tennessee

This road is famous among motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts for its serpentine nature. It is part of the U.S. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee.




4. White Rim Trail - Utah

This trail is used by off-road travelers, as well as hikers and bicyclists. Perched precariously above Canyonlands National Park in Utah, its expansive views and switchbacks make it a destination for many outdoors enthusiasts. 




5. Ruta 40 - Argentina

At more than 3,000 miles long, it is one of the longest roads in the world. Much of it is unpaved, but those daring enough to venture here will be gratuitously rewarded with awe-inspiring landscapes.




6. Conor Pass - Ireland

This road epitomizes the Irish countryside, offering views of vast green meadows situated between craggy cliffs.




7. Touge Roads of Mount Fuji - Japan

Quite possibly the birthplace of drifting, this road winds its way up Japan's highest mountain and has been a destination for racing enthusiasts for many years.




8. Stelvio Pass - Italy

Regarded as the sports car world's holy grail, though encountering some criticism with that distinction, it only takes one look to understand why this road is high on every list. 




9. Guoliang Tunnel Road - China

This road is known as one of the most dangerous in the world; quite possibly challenged only by Bolivia's "Road of Death". With no other options, engineers decided to carve the tunnel road out of the mountain starting in 1972.





10. Trollstigen, aka "Troll Ladder" - Norway

Another famous road among sports drivers, its 9% grade and numerous hairpin curves offer a unique driving experience.

 

Let us know what are some of your favorite roads to drive on!

Visit the Bob Brown Chevrolet website to see our current inventory of vehicles. 

Is ethanol fuel actually bad for your car?

 

 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) originally determined that E15 fuel was suitable for vehicles manufactured after 2007. However, automakers then filed a lawsuit against the EPA and its motion to endorse the renewable fuel, making it illegal. E15 is essentially gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol. The auto industry determined that the fuel was unsuitable because many older vehicles were vulnerable to some of its effects. So with ethanol based fuels basically outlawed, consumers had to continue to be reliant on ruthless oil companies. 

Some believe that the oil companies are taking advantage of consumers on this basis.

“We are writing to express concerns that oil companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices aimed at blocking market access for renewable fuels,” says Grassley, an Iowa government state representative.


New research has emerged suggesting that the fuel is indeed safe for all models built in 2001 or later, which verifies E15 proponents' claims that consumers were being misled. Ultimately, the EPA endorsed the ethanol-based fuel and now it is up to businesses and the consumer to adopt E15.

There are many advantages to producing and using E15 fuel. Ethanol is produced domestically which will create jobs, not to mention lessen our staggering reliance on foreign oil. It will also effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions by 59%. Another benefit to consuming E15 rather than standard gasoline is the reduced risk of oil spills, considering that much less oil will have to be transported across the ocean. The fuel is also 100% renewable. 

Along with all the pros listed above, there is one last thing to consider. E15 is cheap. It's relatively inexpensive to produce compared to gasoline, and that translates to lower prices at the gas pump. 

What are your thoughts on E15? Comment below.

Chevrolet Offers iPhone Users Siri Eyes Free Integration

Chevrolet announced additional vehicles with Chevrolet MyLink will be available with Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. Siri Eyes Free Integration will be available on the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt. 

Owners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.
In the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt vehicles equipped with MyLink, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in their iTunes libraries, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
• Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments

Connect with us on the Bob Brown Chevrolet Facebook page to get more great Chevy related news.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Next Stop

For a third year in a row, Chevrolet is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to take a stand against breast cancer through early detection, protection and awareness. You are also encouraged to take part in the fight. 

On October 5, October 19, November 2, and November 16, you can take a test drive at your Chevrolet dealership and Chevrolet will contribute $10 for every drive to the American Cancer Society. 

So if you've been drooling over the opportunity to get behind the wheel of any of the 2014 models, like the new Camaro, now is the perfect time to act on it! 

Visit the Bob Brown Chevrolet Website to browse our selection of new cars, and to get our contact info. 

Weekly Car Tip: How to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh!

Every car had that distinctive 'new car' smell at one point in time. However, it doesn't take long before it gets replaced with less-desirable scents such as body odor or stale french fries. We believe it is a smell that should not be limited to cars that are only weeks old. If you follow a few of these simple techniques, you can achieve a fresh smelling car for years to come. 

First, let us cover some preventative measures. They may seem like common-sense, but it's still worth mentioning. Obviously, avoid smoking in the car. While it seems like the smoke immediately disperses, it actually has a much more pervasive nature. Cigarette smoke has a tendency to find its way into fabrics and other hard-to-reach places in the car. This is the quickest way to displace that fresh scent. Another, maybe not so obvious (but still important), in-car activity to avoid is eating. And whatever you do, don't leave fast-food bags in the car during the day or overnight! If you must eat in the car, be sure to have some car wipes handy to clean the steering wheel and any other surfaces that may have been affected. It's also a great idea to keep an in-car trash bag that will contain any spills or messes that you may encounter.

Now, even following those rules, it's still inevitable that the new-car-smell will eventually fade away. What can you do to restore it? Here are a few suggestions:

1. We all know that you can buy the car-fresheners to place around the vehicle. Some of these work better than others, but there are certainly better options.
2. Next time you're in the department store, grab a couple cologne or perfume samples (depending on your preference) and leave them in the car. These scents are strong and will remain in the car for longer.
3. Vacuum often! Use carpet deodorizer, or baking soda, to absorb any scents left behind by the vacuum.
4. You can place orange peels in an inconspicuous place. As they dry, they will continue to release a naturally fresh scent.
5. Dryer sheets also work very well. Put an open box underneath the drivers seat. They absorb bad odors while also emanating a fresh smell.

Is there anything we missed that you have found success with? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line on the Bob Brown Chevrolet Facebook Page!

EV Owner Etiquette

If you have yet do drive a fully-electric vehicle, you may not realize that the driving experience is significantly different than your average car. That's precisely why Chevrolet released a list of driving tips for those still making the adjustment. We'll quickly highlight those tips in this blog post.

• Once your car is finished charging, it is proper etiquette to move your car. This allows the next person to utilize the charging station. If you plug your car in and leave while it is charging, leave a note indicating that it is okay for the next person to unplug your car to charge their own. 
• Fully electric vehicles receive priority at charging stations.
• Watch for pedestrians. Electric motors are almost silent which makes it difficult for people to be aware of approaching EV's.
• The Spark EV has a Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function which can be set to activate at slow speeds. The feature emits a 'Chirp' sound, making the vehicles presence known. 
• As an EV owner, whether hybrid or fully-electric, it is your responsibility to act as ambassador to others. Spread the word about the benefits of EV ownership, as well as the nuances that come along with it. 

 For more information, visit the Bob Brown Chevrolet Website.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones? 

2014 Silverado makes NHTSA history

The Chevy Silverado has recently been awarded with the first ever five-star government safety rating for a pickup truck. Features like high-strength steel, fully boxed frames, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and rear view cameras all contributed to the Silverado's reception of the highest possible safety rating. 

"Safety is as important to truck buyers as it is to car buyers," said Gay Kent, GM director of vehicle safety.

"Silverado and Sierra set a benchmark for pickup truck safety by offering a full array of advanced features designed to protect occupants before, during and after a collision."

GM's decision to redesign their trucks for the first time in seven years could not have come at a more optimal time. Sales of full-size pickup trucks has increased by 24% through July, while the rest of the industry only rose by 8.5%. Experts attribute this to a built up demand, stabilizing housing market and healthy energy industry. 

With Ford, Chrysler and Toyota lurking, it's a huge victory for Chevrolet. The demand for trucks is soaring. There's no doubt that the NHTSA's decision to endorse the safety of the Silverado will help to conquer the high-competition truck market.  

If you have been considering buying a truck, now is the time!  And it's an obvious choice to go with the brand that research has proven to have the best possible passenger safety: Chevrolet. 

How the Traverse Ousted the Minivan

There's no denying the practicality of a minivan. It's a smart buy for many young families. The hard part is looking past the horrifying aesthetics that come along with most (all) minivans. Put simply, they're uncool. And capitalizing on that deficiency, the Traverse may well put the minivan out of its misery. 

One of the big factors in this match-up is the Traverse's standard third-row seating. With all seats in use, the Traverse still offers 24.4 cubic feet of storage space. Not enough? Fold the third row and you get a spacious 70.3 cubic feet of family fun. Another point that makes it such an appealing choice is that what most cars of its class offer as optional, come standard on the Traverse. That includes a rear view camera system and curtain airbags in the case of a rollover.

While measuring its style appeal is a matter of opinion, it's safe to say that the Traverse is no match for the current vehicle choice of soccer moms across the country. After all, soccer is all about style.

See our inventory. 

The Economics of EV Ownership

We all miss the days of gas under $3. But instead of being bitter about the "old days," why don't we come up with a way to recreate those days of gas savings?

With the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV drivers can save approximately $9,000 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average vehicle. That's $150 a month that can be spent on something else!

The amount of money you can save on fuel is the equivalent of:

• Airfare for an around-the-world trip
• 6 pairs of Google Glasses
• 60 Nike+ FuelBands
• 6,425 Starbucks Tall Coffee of the Days

The only question is what would you spend all that extra cash on?

Bob Brown Chevrolet - Chevy Model Year End Event

Now could be the last chance to get the 2013 Chevrolet you want. As we make room for the 2014 models we need to move out the 2013's, this means great offers for you. They’ll soon be gone so hurry in now!

Visit the Bob Brown Chevrolet Website for more information. Or just come on in to see these amazing savings for yourself.

Bob Brown Chevrolet - Hands on with the 2014 Stingray

Amongst all the hype and excitement surrounding the 7th generation Corvette Stingray, real data and concrete numbers have proven hard to come by. Edmunds was given the privilege of getting behind the wheel and putting the highly anticipated car to the test. 

Little has been said so far, in terms of tough criticism, about the newest Stingray. This review is no exception. 

When comparing the cars performance engineering strategy to its European sports-car competitors, Alex MacDonald says, "They often add stability by letting the inside tire spin when calibrating an electronic differential." Alex, chassis control performance engineer for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, recognizes that this is not necessarily what sports-car enthusiasts look for. By adding "stability", the European manufacturers also eliminate the cars ability to move laterally on the surface of the road. Even experienced racing fans prefer a healthy dose of wheel-slip. It's that element of control—more precisely, the option to override that control—that provides the most exhilarating driving experience.

As Edmunds' Josh Jacquot so deftly puts it, "And it's in this large playground between the limit of grip and the limit of control that the new Stingray defines itself... Sideways."

So, the data you say? Well, here you go. Remember, this is the base package (Z51) with street tires.

• 12.0 second quarter-mile at 117.3mph
• 0 - 60mph in 4.1 seconds
• Max 1.08 G's
• Stopped from 60mph in 93'

2014 Stingray: Burning Rubber Without Burning Too Much Gas

 

The EPA finalized its numbers on the 2014 Corvette C7 Stingray and effectively put Chevy's newest offering in a class of its own. Putting out an impressive 455 horsepower, the C7 somehow manages to keep its highway estimated fuel economy at 29 MPG. That estimate is specific to the 7-speed manual option, and is an average of the two available drive modes: Tour (at 28MPG) and Eco (at 30MPG).

Estimates for the 6-speed automatic transmission are expected to be finalized soon and should rival its manual shift counterpart. With the automatic transmission, the Active Fuel Management system will be engaged at all times unless the driver switches to manual-shift mode using the steering wheel paddles.

“The Corvette Stingray establishes the benchmark for modern performance cars by using technologies to deliver more performance and more miles per gallon,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer for the Corvette. “We expect more and more performance cars will follow Corvette’s example.”

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible following by the end of the year.

Participants for the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby announced

 
NL captain David Wright selects Bryce Harper, Carlos Gonzalez, Michael Cuddyer; Chris Davis, Prince Fielder join AL captain Robinson Cano

Participants for the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby were announced earlier this evening on ESPN's "SportsCenter" by Derby captains David Wright of the National League and Robinson Cano of the American League.

Joining Wright as representatives of the N.L. will be Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Colorado Rockies outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. The A.L. competitors who will join Cano include Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder. Cano has yet to select the fourth A.L. participant who will take part in the Derby.

Wright, who was the runner-up in the 2006 Home Run Derby, has 13 home runs on the season, and his 217 career home runs rank third on the Mets all-time list behind Darryl Strawberry (252) and Mike Piazza (220). Wright, who was named an All-Star for the seventh time and a fan-elected starter for a fifth time, will join Strawberry (1986, 1990) and Howard Johnson (1989, 1991) as the only Mets to compete multiple times in the Home Run Derby. Wright, who has the second-most 20-homer seasons in franchise history (six), finished with 21 home runs in 2012, representing his franchise-best ninth season with double-digit home runs. He is one of four third basemen in history to record double-digit home run totals in each of his first nine seasons in the Major Leagues, joining Ron Cey (1973-86) and Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews (1952-66) and Mike Schmidt (1973-84). The 30-year-old Wright will become the 16th player from a host team, and the first since Albert Pujols in the 2009 Derby at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, to participate in the event.

Harper, who has 13 home runs on the season, will compete in his first Home Run Derby and will become the second-youngest player ever to participate in the Derby (20 years, 269 days old on July 15th) behind Ken Griffey, Jr. (20 years, 230 days old). The two-time All-Star, who will also become the third-youngest player to start a Midsummer Classic, will become the first player in Nationals history to compete in the event. Prior to moving to Washington, the franchise was represented in the Derby by Montreal Expos All-Stars Hubie Brooks (1986), Larry Walker (1992), Henry Rodriguez (1996) and Vladimir Guerrero (2000).

Gonzalez will participate in his second career Home Run Derby following his debut in the event last year in Kansas City, when he hit four home runs. "CarGo" has an N.L.-leading 24 home runs this season, which is already just 10 shy of his career-high of 34 set in 2010, and his 119 career home runs rank eighth all-time in Rockies history. Gonzalez, who is an All-Star for the second time in his career and a fan-elected starter for the first time, will become the second Rockies player in history to contend in the Derby on multiple occasions, joining Larry Walker (1997, 1999).

Cuddyer, who is tied for ninth in the N.L. with 15 home runs this season, will compete in his first career Home Run Derby. He will become the eighth different player in Rockies history to participate, joining Dante Bichette (1994), Ellis Burks (1996), Walker, Vinny Castilla (1998), Todd Helton (2001), Matt Holliday (2008) and Gonzalez. Cuddyer, who is an All-Star for the second time (also 2011), hit six home runs during his franchise-record and Major League season-best 27-game hitting streak from May 28th-July 2nd. Cuddyer and Gonzalez will become the 13th pair of teammates to take part in the Derby in the same year, and the first since the 2011 event featured Milwaukee's Rickie Weeks and Fielder, and Boston's David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez.

In his first career Home Run Derby appearance in 2011, Cano set a new final round record with 12 home runs, besting the previous record of 11 set by Bobby Abreu (2005), David Ortiz (2010) and Adrian Gonzalez earlier in the 2011 final. Cano, who joined Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg (1990) as the only second basemen to win a Home Run Derby, amassed 32 total home runs during the competition, placing him 13th on the all-time Derby list. Cano, who was also the A.L. captain for last year's Home Run Derby, will become the first Yankees player and the first second baseman in history to participate in the Derby on three occasions. In his nine seasons with the Yankees, Cano has hit 192 home runs, including 20 thus far in 2013, which is tied for seventh in the A.L. Cano, now an All-Star for the fifth time, has hit at least 10 home runs in each of his first nine Major League seasons, joining Hall of Famer Joe Gordon (11 straight seasons, 1938-50) as the only second basemen to accomplish the feat in Major League history.

Davis, who leads the Majors with 33 home runs this season, will compete in his first Home Run Derby. The first-time All-Star becomes the seventh Oriole to participate in the Derby, joining Hall of Famers Eddie Murray (1985) and Cal Ripken, Jr. (1985, 1991-92), as well as Brady Anderson (1996-97), Rafael Palmeiro (1998, 2004), B.J. Surhoff (1999) and Miguel Tejada (2004, 2006). The 33 home runs by Davis ties his career-high set in 2012, and it is currently the most prior to the All-Star break since 2001, when Barry Bonds had 39 and Luis Gonzalez had 35. In addition, the 33 home runs are tied for the fourth-most by an A.L. player prior to the break, trailing Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson (37 in 1969), Griffey (35 in 1998) and Frank Howard (34 in 1969).

Fielder, the defending Home Run Derby Champion, also won the event in St. Louis in 2009. Just the second player with multiple Derby victories (also Griffey: 1994, 98-99), Fielder, who also competed in 2007 and 2011, will become the sixth player to partake in the Derby on at least five occasions, joining Griffey (8), Mark McGwire (7), Bonds (6), Sammy Sosa (6) and David Ortiz (5). Fielder, who has 15 home runs on the season, has hit 63 home runs all-time in the Home Run Derby, which ranks fifth all-time behind Ortiz (77), Griffey (74), Jason Giambi (68) and Sosa (65). Prince will become the second player in Tigers history to appear in multiple Derbys, joining his father, Cecil, who took park in the event three times as a Tiger (1990-91, 1993).

The Chevrolet Home Run Derby will continue to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) as well as MLB's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. More than $3 million has been raised for charity over the past 10 years, with an all-time high of $615,000 donated through the 2012 event. Chevrolet and Major League Baseball will donate a significant amount of money to charity through the 2013 event. In addition, Chevrolet plans to award the winner of the Home Run Derby an all-new 2014 Silverado.

This year's Chevrolet Home Run Derby will continue to follow the format first introduced in 2011, featuring team competition between the A.L. and N.L. Last year, the A.L. defeated the N.L. by a final tally of 61-21, with Prince Fielder of the Tigers winning the individual title in Kansas City. Each of the captains will select a charity of their choice for which their team will be hitting during the Derby.

The donations from the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby will include $150,000 to the winning captain's charity in his name; $100,000 to the BGCA in the name of the winning captain; $25,000 to the charity of the captain of the losing team in his name; and the remainder to the BGCA on behalf of Chevrolet and Major League Baseball.

The total amount of money distributed will be determined by the home runs hit during the competition. For each Gold Ball home run hit by a participant after the ninth out throughout the Chevrolet Home Run Derby, Chevrolet and Major League Baseball will combine to donate $23,000 to designated charities. The dollar figure was selected to coincide with the EPA-estimated best in class 23 miles per gallon highway that the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado features, making it the most efficient V8 in a pickup. Chevrolet and MLB will combine to make an additional donation of $3,000 for every non-Gold Ball home run hit throughout the 2013 Chevrolet Home Run Derby.

The eight participants will each be paired with a youngster representing one of eight local RBI leagues throughout the New York City region. The child paired with the winner of the Chevrolet Home Run Derby will earn $50,000 towards a baseball field makeover for their RBI league. Chevrolet and MLB will also donate $10,000 worth of baseball equipment and uniforms to each of the other seven RBI leagues. In addition to coverage on ESPN, the 2013 Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN, ESPN Mobile TV, and ESPN Radio in the U.S. as well as ESPN International beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on Monday, July 15th.

Kudos to our team for earning two 5-star reviews on Cars.com!

"This was the first time I bought from Bob Brown in Urbandale and was completely over whelmed with the salesperson Mike Simpson. He went out of his way to make my experience there both enjoyable and quick and easy. There was no hassle or pressure into making a deal. Will definitely use them when I need another vehicle. Thanks again." 

"I was impressed at the way I was treated. Dealing with a single Service Rep. all the way through my car service and the constant updates was nice. Top Notch Dealership, Royalty Treatment. I felt like I was the most important person in a waiting room full of customers."

Click here to read the full review: http://bit.ly/19bmcM3

Bob Brown Chevrolet | Strong

This one goes out to all the hard-working men and women we're lucky enough to know. Yeah, we're talking about you. Stay "strong".

5 Star Review on Cars.com!

 

Take a look at our latest #5Star review on Cars.com! http://bit.ly/15Ugw6W

 

5 Star Review on Cars.com!

Check out our latest 5 Star review on Cars.com! http://bit.ly/15Ugw6W

 

Throwback Thursday!

#ThrowbackThursday: Chevy fans should recognize this classic model. Any guesses as to what year?

 

John Legend: The 2014 Chevy Impala

John Legend's music is made to #love, much like the 2014 Impala.

New Reviews!

It seems like our last two customers will be returning to do business, based on the reviews that they left. Check them out! http://bit.ly/15Ugw6W

 

Here's another great review from Google+ Local! http://bit.ly/12egLW3

Rawlings Baseballs: Discover the Craft | Chevrolet

Ever wondered what goes into making a baseball? Nothing is above scrutiny, much like #Chevrolet engineering.

5 Star Review on Cars.com!

Looking to buy a car for the first time? There's no reason to be hesitant. Bob Brown will take care of you!

Our latest review on Cars.com explains how we'll make that experience a breeze for you! http://bit.ly/15Ugw6W

Chevrolet Announces Three-Year Sponsorship With U.S. Soccer Federation

SEATTLE – Chevrolet and the United States Soccer Federation announced a three-year sponsorship deal today that makes Chevrolet the Official Partner of U.S. Soccer and helps the brand leverage the sport’s surging popularity in the U.S., where a soccer player lives in 30 percent of households.

“As fans well know, soccer is much more than the world’s favorite sport; it’s a communal experience and way of life,” said Molly Peck, director of Chevrolet Advertising and Sales Promotions.

“Our new U.S. Soccer partnership complements Chevrolet’s Global Soccer footprint that includes Manchester United and One World Futbol Project sponsorships. By bringing our customers closer to these initiatives, we’ll share the love of soccer all over the world, whether it’s parents driving youngsters to a Chevy Youth Soccer team practice, transforming the lives of children around the world through the power of play, to cheering on favorite teams at the FIFA World Cup next year in Brazil.”

U.S. Soccer, which is celebrating its first 100 years throughout 2013, is the governing body of all forms of soccer in the country and manages numerous teams that compete globally and regionally year-round, including the U.S. National Men’s and Women’s Teams, Youth National Teams, Men’s and Women’s Olympic teams and the Development Academy with 80 elite youth clubs throughout the U.S. Its sanctioning authority strengthens the grassroots Chevy Youth Soccer program, which involves nearly 1,000 dealers and 850,000 youth throughout the U.S.

“Chevrolet has an impressive history as a global brand and we’re excited to begin this partnership,’ said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We are looking forward to working closely with such a committed and supportive company across all of our National Teams, especially our Youth National Teams and Development Academy.”

The U.S. Soccer partnership was developed and finalized between Chevrolet and Soccer United Marketing.

Through the Founding Sponsorship of One World Futbol Project, Chevrolet is donating 1.5 million virtually indestructible One World Futbols to youth in war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas, and underprivileged communities around the world. The One World Futbol never goes flat and never needs a pump, even when punctured, providing endless play to children who need it most.

Already the No. 1 sport in the world, soccer’s popularity in the U.S. is growing, especially among coveted millennial consumers – those aged 12-24 – ranking second only to the NFL. Many of these 80 million Americans grew up playing youth soccer. The expansion of social and digital media also has allowed American soccer fans to stay abreast of overseas leagues, teams and players and be part of global communities.

Last year, Chevrolet announced a deal that made it the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester United – one of the most widely supported football teams in the world. Beginning in 2014, the Chevrolet bowtie will appear on Manchester United jerseys for seven years.

Source: gm.com

We Put In-Car Espresso Maker to the Test

Coffee drinkers are a dedicated bunch. But are they dedicated enough to brew on the go?

The idea of an espresso machine designed for the car is so absurd that we had to say yes when Importika, the U.S. distributor of the recently imported Handpresso Auto, reached out and asked if we wanted to test the new cupholder espresso maker. Perhaps most surprising is the French company's 

crazy contraption actually makes a decent shot of espresso on the go.

Let's back up a minute.

The manufacturer does not recommend using the Handpresso Auto while driving. And frankly, neither do we.

An espresso machine even as tiny as the Auto creates pressure and heat to make the familiar, potent shot of hot coffee. Pressure and hot liquid are best kept in a car's engine and not so close to your lap.

Handpresso pitches the $199 Auto as a solution to boosting energy during a grueling drive or road trip. Just pull over in a scenic area, plug in the cupholder espresso machine and within a few minutes you're back on the road filled with a delicious, creamy caffeinated espresso and a burst of energy. See Handpresso's promotional video here. Good luck trying that on Chicago's Eisenhower Expressway unless you have a personal barista in the passenger seat. 



Handpresso's Auto is roughly the size of an extra-large fast-food drink. It actually didn't fit that well in the cupholder when we tested it in a Honda Accord Crosstour. Readying the Auto is fairly simple following the illustrated instructions — the text instructions are less useful — and Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) pods are the flavor vehicles. They fit neatly inside the Auto. Just unscrew to pour in water and place the pod. The pods are sold separately in packs of 18 for around $15 a box. Importika supplied us with dark and medium roasts of Illy-branded E.S.E. pods. 



The 140-watt Handpresso Auto sources power from a DC outlet (cigarette lighter), so those thinking the Auto is ideal for a quick midday pick-me-up in the office are out of luck without a power converter. The other reason the Auto isn't ideal in an office environment is because it's loud.

We wonder if there's an attachment for a tire valve stem because the compressor sounded beefy enough to fill a truck tire, and definitely loud enough to make us take a few cautious steps back when we used it for the first time.



There's just one button to press to start brewing, but the cars we tested it in needed engines running to supply enough juice for the process to begin. From start to finish, the gadget takes roughly two minutes to churn out the finished espresso. It was hot enough that steam rose but not too hot where we couldn't drink immediately. Additionally, little spurts of foam spit from the container once the pour completes.

A nice touch. An espresso aficionado on our staff referred to the finished product as "legit." 



However, Cars.com's multimedia senior editor noted the temperature varied on subsequent batches during a weekend camping trip, ranging from not very hot to piping hot. Even though buyers shouldn't use the Handpresso Auto while driving, there are still uses for the micro espresso machine — like when there isn't a coffee shop within 50 miles. Taking the Handpresso Auto camping adds a classy touch to the outdoors, and it could even add a new layer of sophistication to tailgating. You'd have to be a regular of both to warrant the cost as well. And expect to receive a new type of ridicule from fellow campers or tailgaters when you disappear to sneak an espresso shot. 

Source: cars.com

5 Star Review on Cars.com

Our two latest customer reviews on Cars.com rated us 5 Stars.

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Bob Brown Chevrolet | Pace Car

Mark Reuss takes time to discuss what it means to him to drive the 2014 Corvette Stingray pace car.

Chevrolet reveals new, roomier 2014 Malibu

Chevrolet just took the wraps off the new 2014 Malibu, which is now roomier and more fuel efficient in a bid to try to push its way back to the top of the auto industry's biggest sales segment, midsize sedans.

The Malibu, which had seen sales droop in recent months against even tougher competition, will get more knee room in the back seat and a new version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with new fuel-saving technologies.

With updated styling, General Motors hopes Malibu will sell on looks again as well. Buyers will note the change right away from its new front end. The appearance now is closer to its big sister, the redesigned 2014 Impala full-size sedan. The changes are a very quick refresh of the Malibu that was redesigned for 2013.

"The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu builds on the strengths established by the all-new 2013 Malibu to make it a stronger choice for customers," said Mark Reuss, GM's president for North America. "The midsize sedan segment is the most contested in the industry and we're not sitting still with the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu."

The new Malibu goes on sale in the fall.

One of its biggest draws will be the new engine. Chevy says that with variable valve lift and the ability to shut off at stop lights, it will have estimated gas mileage of 23 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. That's a 5% improvement in the city and 3% more on the highway.

More back seat space was achieved my making the front seat backs slightly thinner. It is becoming a common practice in the auto industry.

The new Malibu faces Ford's redone Fusion, which comes in hybrid and plug-in versions as well, a new Mazda6, an aging Hyundai Sonata and perennial top sellers Toyota Camry (redone for 2012), Honda Accord (new for 2013) and Nissan Altima (also new for 2013). The segment accounts for roughly one in four new vehicles sold in the U.S. so success in it is essential for mainstream brands.

 

Source: usatoday.com

Bob Brown Chevrolet | Two Positive Reviews on Google+ Local

 

 Jan B. Urbandale, Iowa Jun 02, 2013

QualityExcellentAppealExcellentServiceExcellent

We just bought a new Chevy Silverado in March for Steve and we decided it was time to start looking for my wifes's new vehicle which was going to be about a year out. Jan was completely confused on what she wanted. I was going out to Bob Brown's to have them look at something on the truck and we stopped by to look at Tahoe's. Jan found a red Tahoe that she sort of fell in love with and wanted to sit in it to try it out. We went to Jason Christensen and had him come out with the keys and once again Jason did his magic of selling us a vehicle. It is beyond my understanding how Jason can sell someone a vehicle but act like he isn't selling you anything. He cares, and he is just an honest to goodness, down home good guy. No BS just answers your questions and talks with you. He knows what he is doing and he knows his product. Everyone that we dealt with at Bob Browns from the receptionist to the shop & parts department & finance was wonderful. We will soon be bringing our fudge to Jason as a thank you to such a wonderful business. Make sure that he knows you know about the fudge and make sure he shares it when he gets it. Thank you for such a happy experience! Jan & Steve B

 

Bill V. Urbandale, Iowa Jun 02, 2013

QualityExcellentAppealExcellentServiceExcellent

Excellent customer service!!! The staff was curteous, knowledgeable, friendly and efficient.