2014 Stingray Revealed: DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Discover why the 2014 Stingray will offer a driving experience truly unlike anything before.

 

 

GM Announces Widest Deployment Of 4G LTE Services In Vehicles

BARCELONA – General Motors today announced a broad global strategy to deliver a new generation of connected cars and trucks with embedded 4G LTE mobile broadband, the largest deployment in the automotive industry to date.

The first GM cars, trucks and crossovers to get 4G LTE will be most 2015 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models available in 2014 in the United States and Canada delivered through AT&T. GM will announce more carrier and supplier relationships in coming months to expand 4G LTE capabilities in markets around the globe.

With mobile data speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G technologies, increased responsiveness, and the ability to support simultaneous voice and data connections, a built-in 4G LTE connection will enable advances in a wide range of in-vehicle communications and entertainment capabilities. Expected benefits for GM customers could include in-vehicle Wi-Fi hot spots, new infotainment options like streaming video entertainment in the back seat, real-time updates and faster application downloads. These enhancements build on OnStar’s existing portfolio of built-in connected services, first introduced in GM vehicles in 1996.

The built-in 4G LTE structure is specifically designed for in-vehicle use as it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and includes an external antenna to maximize coverage and connectivity. Customers will not be required to have a smartphone to use connected services. 

“In addition to allowing consumers to bring in and connect to personal mobile devices, the vehicle will also act as its own mobile device, enabling embedded vehicle capabilities,” said Mary Chan, president, Global Connected Consumer, General Motors.  “Turning this vision into a reality starts with enabling fast, reliable and responsive connectivity within the vehicle.  Through this built-in 4G LTE connection we have the opportunity to reinvent the mobile experience inside a vehicle.” 

Over time, applications of widespread in-vehicle 4G LTE connectivity will enable vehicles to interact directly with their environment to enhance safety, efficiency and convenience for drivers and passengers. 4G LTE will make services such as real-time traffic and navigation updates possible, pulling information from the cloud.

GM and AT&T will immediately begin work to develop 4G LTE connectivity for GM vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.  AT&T’s 4G LTE network is expected to reach 300 million people in the U.S. by the end of 2014, and its network performance and deployment strategy have been lauded by industry analysts and other experts.

GM and AT&T will also work together on a broad ecosystem focused on developing new communication applications to enhance the driving and riding experience.

“While our 4G LTE network will provide fast, reliable mobile broadband for GM’s connected vehicles, we’re also looking forward to working directly with GM researchers and engineers as well as the developer community to invent new in-vehicle applications that will take full advantage of our powerful network,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility.

Both GM and AT&T are leading innovators in their industries.

GM received more U.S. patents in 2012 than any other automaker as it continued to drive advances in performance, efficiency, sustainability and in-vehicle infotainment. GM’s OnStar enabled the world’s first connected vehicles 16 years ago, and delivers industry-leading capabilities, ranging from stolen vehicle assistance to voice navigation and live advisor support.

“As we implement 4G LTE connectivity into our vehicles the most important piece we will consider is delivering this technology to our customers in a safe manner, staying focused on reducing any related distractions,” said Chan.

AT&T maintains a long heritage of innovation at AT&T Labs. The company’s hands-on work with the developer community, centered in its AT&T Foundry facilities, has resulted in numerous innovations in mobile apps and network technology.

The widespread integration of 4G LTE into GM vehicles will enhance GM’s recently announced application framework and third-party developers program.  In January, GM introduced a new set of vehicle application programming interfaces (APIs), which enable developers to build on GM vehicles’ infotainment systems, as well as a new flexible application framework that will allow drivers to add apps and infotainment features to their vehicles after purchase. 

“Our commitment to 4G LTE strengthens our ability to collaboratively innovate with developer partners,” said Chan.  “Developers will be able to take full advantage of 4G LTE speeds as they design vehicle-specific apps, and they can pursue development knowing that they’ll have a broad base of potential customers as connectivity is built-in across GM brands and regions.”

As 4G LTE networks expand globally, GM plans to work with additional carrier partners to enable connectivity in other brands such as Opel and Vauxhall.  Additional details on availability and service options will be announced later.


General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

First 2014 Corvette Stingray wreck captured in the wild

Well that didn't take long.

It's been less than a month since Chevrolet revealed the 2014 Corvette Stingray, and already one has turned up wrecked. Since the new Corvette isn't on sale yet, chances are someone at General Motors will have a sizable expense report to fill out.

Caught by a poster at Digital Corvettes, the photo was supposedly snapped recently in Arizona, with the original shooter's commentary: "Cop had just arrived. Car is in worse shape than looks. Hit guardrail on left and bounced back to rocks." Automakers often run hot-weather and handling tests in Arizona, and this copy wears the Michigan manufacturer license plates that a GM-owned prototype would carry on public roads.

While at first glance the Vette looks OK, a closer look reveals serious damage; the front wheel looks too far askew, and there's long scrapes on the side of the body and the wheels. There may have been a side air bag deployed as well, but it's hard to tell under the tinted rear glass.

It's rare but not unheard of for a factory pre-production test drive to end in a crash; at this stage of Corvette development, the engineers would be tweaking software settings or chasing down some final production issues before the launch later this year. We asked Chevy for comment, and until we hear back we're struck by what GM always warns media test drivers: "Keep it shiny side up."

UPDATE: According to Chevy spokesman Monte Doran, this was a GM test drive gone wrong: "During evaluation, the driver caught the inside tire caught the edge of the pavement during a tight corner, leading to the accident. Thankfully, no one was hurt, the car received only minor damage, and no citations were issued."

Courtesy of yahoo.com

Why Chevy's new advertising road looks promising

ORLANDO -- Opinions on what flavors and themes should infuse Chevy's brand messaging are as diverse as its sprawling vehicle lineup.

Play on heritage, and you signal that your best days are behind you. Identify Chevy with technology like the Volt, and risk appeasing the greenies at the expense of your core pickup owners. Some of Chevy's best new vehicles are small, fuel-sipping cars like the Sonic – but the Corvette Stingray looks pretty good, too.

How do you stitch those brand attributes together under a unified creative-advertising theme?

That's Chevy's task with its global "Find New Roads" campaign, which bowed last night with 90-second and 60-second spots during the Grammy Awards.

My first impression: It gives some hope to the considerable number of dealers and Chevy loyalists who've been lamenting the brand's aimless creative for a while now.

OK, I know. Some of this stuff will be polarizing. I mean, it does end with a deer Eskimo-kissing a robotic dog. And because it's a so-called anthem spot, aimed at casting an aura around the whole brand by featuring multiple cars, there's a herky-jerky feel that asks the viewer to hang in there for a long time.

But you won't be seeing that 90-second spot much -- each snippet featuring the Volt, Spark, Sonic, Impala and Corvette will be spun into 30-second standalone commercials for those nameplates.

Here's why I think the stuff, created by Chevy's Detroit-based ad agency, Commonwealth, shows some promise:

1) It injects a bit of emotion back into Chevy's message.
That's largely been lacking in Chevy's recent creative -- it's a common gripe I hear from dealers about the current "Malibu State of Mind" commercials. Using emotion can be risky. But it can pay off when done right (see Chrysler and Subaru).

2) The product shines.
For example, the public gets its first on-air glimpses of the Impala via a black-and-white vignette that shows handsome profile shots of the sedan, set to Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me To The Moon." It's a contemporary way to leverage the nostalgia that remains so important to Chevy.

At the end, the product focus is driven home with a simple voiceover from actor John Cusack:

"With the best lineup of vehicles ever, introducing the new Chevrolet."

For whatever it's worth, the reaction has been favorable based on responses from more than 100,000 views on YouTube. (That's a pittance compared to the views it would have gotten had GM suited up for this year's Super Bowl, but that's another story).
Check it out for yourself. What do you think?

Courtesy of autonews.com

Young Buyers Go for Chevrolet Spark Price and Color

Mini car attracting one in two buyers from non-GM brands

DETROIT – Early buyer data for the Chevrolet Spark shows that 29 percent 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, with 29 percent of customers under 35.
• New to Chevy – Nearly 54 percent of Spark purchases are conquest sales – buyers who are new to the brand. More than one in five buyers is coming from an import car brand.
• Majority female – Fifty-one percent of Sparks are purchased by women, more than any other Chevrolet vehicle.   
• Sizzling with Salsa – Twenty-three percent of Spark owners are choosing Salsa Red, making it the Spark’s most popular exterior color. Jalapeno Green and Denim Blue are the second- and third-most popular Spark colors.
• Seeking a value and fuel economy – Early Spark owners indicate their most important reasons for purchasing a Spark were fuel economy and price to value.

Chevrolet dealers have sold more than 12,000 Sparks since it went on sale in the summer of 2012. Originally launched in 18 markets, the Spark will be available in all 50 states in 2013.
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark, a four-passenger, five-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 seven-inch color touch screen 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 care 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 U.S. market is in response to the growing popularity of mini cars among U.S. consumers.

Expanding the Spark lineup, the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is designed to make the trip as electrifying as the destination. It will be priced under $25,000 with tax incentives and will be available in California, Oregon, Canada, South Korea and other global markets.

For more information on the 2013 Chevy Spark, visit www.chevrolet.com/Spark
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year.  Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Courtesy of GM.com

 

 

Don't try this at home!

Don't try this at home: While you might not think of the Chevy Sonic as a sports car, Rob Dyrdek tends to look at things from a different perspective. Watch as he flips his car one whole rotation in the air over a 50 foot gap!