Question for the Chevy fans!

What is your favorite Chevrolet model of all time?

Camaro leads the way for Chevy app, nav integration

When we saw demonstrations of Chevy's MyLink system last year, it looked like the company finally had a solid competitor to Ford Sync. MyLink not only offered advanced voice command over phones and MP3 players, but also integrated smartphone apps.

However, as we saw in the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Chevy hadn't built a MyLink head unit that was compatible with a navigation system. The result: buyers had to choose between having advanced voice command or onboard navigation.

The 2013 Camaro seems to solve that little problem. A press release notes that the new car will come standard with "MyLink and color-touch radio" on LT, SS, and ZL1 models. The release goes on to say that buyers will be able to option navigation into that system, although the parenthetical "late availability" suggests Chevy engineers still have some work to do on the system.

It may be coming out later than the car, but that did not stop Chevrolet from posting a photo of the new navigation system on Facebook. The image shows a very clean interface, something Chevrolet has done well with in the past. The maps look bright and clear, while a translucent information bar along the top shows the current music playback. Along the sides of the LCD are what look like touch buttons, another nice feature for a clean interface.

We have few details about this system, but it seems likely the maps would be stored in flash memory. Without the navigation option, it seems like the screen will still be present in the car, used only for the stereo, phone system, and apps. MyLink supports Pandora and Stitcher initially, and the LCD should support functional interfaces for these apps, such as being able to select stations and give current tracks a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. MyLink can coexist with satellite radio, so it is possible that the navigation system will rely on this source for traffic data.

This new MyLink/navigation system also represents the first instance of an onboard navigation system for the Camaro, which until now has relied on OnStar turn-by-turn directions. With all the bugs and integration worked out in this system for the Camaro, we should see it roll out into other models as they receive updates, and find its way into Buick-brand models, as well, which use a MyLink-parallel system called IntelliLink.

Courtesy of Cnet.com

Chevrolet Delivers Seventh Straight Quarter of Record Sales

DETROIT – Chevrolet sold nearly 1.3 million vehicles worldwide in the second quarter of 2012, a 2.3 percent increase over last year’s record-setting second quarter, marking the best quarter ever for the brand and the seventh consecutive quarter of record-breaking sales. 

“Seven consecutive quarters of record sales is solid proof that Chevrolet is delivering the high quality products, easy-to-use technologies and expressive designs that people around the world are demanding,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of global marketing. “With even more great new products on the way, we look forward to a strong second half of 2012.”

The Cruze continues to be the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate around the world with more than 350,000 sold so far this year and more than 1.65 million sold since the car was launched.  Sales of the recently launched 2012 Aveo/Sonic small car and 2013 Malibu mid-size sedan are rising as more vehicles become available in dealer showrooms around the world.

Chevrolet posted significant sales increases over the second quarter of last year in four of its top five markets including:

• In the United States Chevrolet sold 513,538 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 5.2 percent.  Passenger and performance car sales remain strong.
• In China, Chevrolet sold 141,758 units in the quarter, an increase of 2.3 percent.
• In Brazil, Chevrolet sales are down 4.2 percent for the quarter but outperformed the sluggish Brazilian industry which is down 4.8 percent.  The brand has seen some improvement in the region this year with sales up 7.5 percent in June. 
• Chevrolet remains competitive, though sales were down 4.2 percent for the second quarter to 153,759 units.
• Russia is now Chevrolet’s fourth-largest market thanks a 13.4 percent increase in second-quarter sales to 57,286 vehicles. The brand will introduce several new models in the region in the coming months.
• In Mexico, Chevrolet sold 41,435 vehicles in the quarter, an increase of 11.7 percent.

Chevrolet Europe sold 61,865 vehicles for the second quarter in Western and Central Europe, a 13.6 percent increase in an industry that continues to struggle and is down 6.9 percent.  The brand achieved its best-ever volume in Western and Central Europe in the first half of 2012 with more than 117,500 vehicles sold – led by Aveo sales of more than 34,000, a 10.9 percent increase over same period last year. 

Chevrolet is in the midst of launching the Spark mini-car and Malibu in the United States; the Trailblazer mid-size SUV and Colorado mid-size truck in Thailand and other markets; the Spin multi-purpose vehicle in Brazil, and the Cruze station wagon in Europe.  The brand will also begin launching the all-new Trax small sport-utility vehicle around the world in the fourth quarter.  Chevrolet, traditionally an American brand, today records more than 60 percent of its sales outside the U.S. market.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

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Fashion and Cars: The Matching of Soles and Souls

DETROIT – Shoe collections for this year's spring season drew heavy influence from the glamour and opulence of 1950s hot wheels. Oozing sex appeal and status for men and women alike, the legendary chrome-finned Chevrolet Bel Air inspired summer clothing and footwear collections in Italy and elsewhere.

Even not-so-fashionable yet practical shoe categories draw design inspiration from automotive technologies. After spending years studying people's relationship with footwear, Italian writer and shoe design analyst Andrea Silvuni believes you can learn a lot about a person's character from the shoes on their feet and their choice of wheels.

“In the same way Chevy Bel Air’s stood for luxury and power and showed you were doing well, rocking your Italian designer heels will reveal your inner power and provide others a window into your personality,” Silvuni said. “No matter the type of shoe, there are always reasons behind that choice and how they convey who we are and what our mood is.”

Every shoe and car can provide a window into secrets of personality. Choice of color, style and other design details of cars and shoes can say a lot about a person.

Urban city cars, like the Chevrolet Spark, draw on inspiration of everything from open-toed flip flops to motorcycles and are driven by unconventional owners open to new experiences and adventures.

Striking design elements of ballet pumps can be found in Chevrolet's global small car – the Sonic – with an aggressive-looking front, compact taut side panels and a rising shoulder line, appealing to multiple markets from Europe to the United States and the Far East.

“Like cars, shoes share the design language that conveys aspects of a personality,” said Silvuni. “The sloping roofline, concave shoulder lines of a Chevrolet Cruze and a well-appointed wedge create a dynamic, sure-footed stance in the same way.”

With the explosion of the muscular multipurpose crossover vehicles, designers have adopted a bolder look with a low roofline and high sweeping waist, incorporating sportswear-inspired interior features to meet the exact demands of cross-trainers and adventure-pursuing families.

Chevrolet and Andrea Silvuni mapped the design language of car models and shoe types, reflecting a person's personality and characteristics:

Shoe Style: Flip-flop
Wide open stance, accentuated by strong, clean body sides free of cladding.
Car: Chevrolet Spark urban city car
Owner's Footprint: Laid back, open toed and not traditional. Challenges convention and open to new experiences. Never sure what will happen tomorrow but sees every experience as fun and functional.

Shoe Style: Ballet Slippers/Pumps
Aggressive looking front, compact taut side panels and a rising shoulder line
Car: Chevrolet Sonic
Owner's Footprint: Comfortable in all environments, sweet and dependable person who is also kind and considerate. Prefers a lifestyle free of frills.

Shoe Style: Wedge-Heeled Shoes/Platforms
Concave shoulder lines, short overhangs at the rear with a dynamic stance
Car: Chevrolet Cruze
Owner's Footprint: Stylish and sure-footed with logical solutions to any problem. No nonsense in relationships; values reliability and trust. A social butterfly.

Shoe Style: Brogue
Expressive design with a wide, athletic stance
Car: Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Footprint: Conservative, reliable, trusting and incredibly calm under pressure. An ambitious, stylish and bright person. Also sophisticated and detailed, carrying an air of achievement.

Shoe Style: Cross trainers
Sharply sculptured athletic stance with angular shapes that emphasize sporting intent, with a sleek, rising shoulder line
Car: Chevrolet Equinox
Owner's Footprint: Athletic, assertive and a flexible leader quick on his or her feet. Gets things done and feels powerful as a result.

Shoe Style: Super-high heeled stilettos
Low-slung V-shaped nose and aggressive ready-to-pounce stance
Car: Chevrolet Camaro or Corvette Owner's Footprint: Sexy, confident with a wild streak. Knows where sex appeal can get them.

“Digging deeper into the anatomy of shoes and cars, we are able to identify many engineering commonalities,” Silvuni said. “Advances in automotive and tire technology inspire footwear designers to develop rubber soles that help you grip the sidewalk on a rainy day and protective waterproof shoe coatings that can be found in vehicle seat materials.”

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Fashion and Cars: The Matching of Soles and Souls

DETROIT – Shoe collections for this year's spring season drew heavy influence from the glamour and opulence of 1950s hot wheels. Oozing sex appeal and status for men and women alike, the legendary chrome-finned Chevrolet Bel Air inspired summer clothing and footwear collections in Italy and elsewhere.

Even not-so-fashionable yet practical shoe categories draw design inspiration from automotive technologies. After spending years studying people's relationship with footwear, Italian writer and shoe design analyst Andrea Silvuni believes you can learn a lot about a person's character from the shoes on their feet and their choice of wheels.

“In the same way Chevy Bel Air’s stood for luxury and power and showed you were doing well, rocking your Italian designer heels will reveal your inner power and provide others a window into your personality,” Silvuni said. “No matter the type of shoe, there are always reasons behind that choice and how they convey who we are and what our mood is.”

Every shoe and car can provide a window into secrets of personality. Choice of color, style and other design details of cars and shoes can say a lot about a person.

Urban city cars, like the Chevrolet Spark, draw on inspiration of everything from open-toed flip flops to motorcycles and are driven by unconventional owners open to new experiences and adventures.

Striking design elements of ballet pumps can be found in Chevrolet's global small car – the Sonic – with an aggressive-looking front, compact taut side panels and a rising shoulder line, appealing to multiple markets from Europe to the United States and the Far East.

“Like cars, shoes share the design language that conveys aspects of a personality,” said Silvuni. “The sloping roofline, concave shoulder lines of a Chevrolet Cruze and a well-appointed wedge create a dynamic, sure-footed stance in the same way.”

With the explosion of the muscular multipurpose crossover vehicles, designers have adopted a bolder look with a low roofline and high sweeping waist, incorporating sportswear-inspired interior features to meet the exact demands of cross-trainers and adventure-pursuing families.

Chevrolet and Andrea Silvuni mapped the design language of car models and shoe types, reflecting a person's personality and characteristics:

Shoe Style: Flip-flop
Wide open stance, accentuated by strong, clean body sides free of cladding.
Car: Chevrolet Spark urban city car
Owner's Footprint: Laid back, open toed and not traditional. Challenges convention and open to new experiences. Never sure what will happen tomorrow but sees every experience as fun and functional.

Shoe Style: Ballet Slippers/Pumps
Aggressive looking front, compact taut side panels and a rising shoulder line
Car: Chevrolet Sonic
Owner's Footprint: Comfortable in all environments, sweet and dependable person who is also kind and considerate. Prefers a lifestyle free of frills.

Shoe Style: Wedge-Heeled Shoes/Platforms
Concave shoulder lines, short overhangs at the rear with a dynamic stance
Car: Chevrolet Cruze
Owner's Footprint: Stylish and sure-footed with logical solutions to any problem. No nonsense in relationships; values reliability and trust. A social butterfly.

Shoe Style: Brogue
Expressive design with a wide, athletic stance
Car: Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Footprint: Conservative, reliable, trusting and incredibly calm under pressure. An ambitious, stylish and bright person. Also sophisticated and detailed, carrying an air of achievement.

Shoe Style: Cross trainers
Sharply sculptured athletic stance with angular shapes that emphasize sporting intent, with a sleek, rising shoulder line
Car: Chevrolet Equinox
Owner's Footprint: Athletic, assertive and a flexible leader quick on his or her feet. Gets things done and feels powerful as a result.

Shoe Style: Super-high heeled stilettos
Low-slung V-shaped nose and aggressive ready-to-pounce stance
Car: Chevrolet Camaro or Corvette Owner's Footprint: Sexy, confident with a wild streak. Knows where sex appeal can get them.

“Digging deeper into the anatomy of shoes and cars, we are able to identify many engineering commonalities,” Silvuni said. “Advances in automotive and tire technology inspire footwear designers to develop rubber soles that help you grip the sidewalk on a rainy day and protective waterproof shoe coatings that can be found in vehicle seat materials.”

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Chevy Sonic: 3.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
3.9% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers. Monthly payment is $18.37 for every $1000 you finance. Example down payment: 18%. Some customers will not qualify. Take delivery by 09-04-2012. Residency restrictions apply. See Dealer for details.