Chevrolet Volt, Ford Explorer named Detroit Free Press Car and Truck of the Year

As more and more Car and Truck of the Year awards pour in from a variety of major publications, it's no shock that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt continues to take home top honors as the best car of 2011. Both Motor Trend and Automobile have deemed the Volt their Car of the Year, and General Motors' high-profile EV is even a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award. (Our readers, however, would apparently rather see that honor go to the 2011 Hyundai Sonata). Thus, it's no surprise that the Volt was just named Car of the Year by The Detroit Free Press.

Similarly, the 2011 Ford Explorer is in the running for North American Truck of the Year, and the Detroit Free Press is honoring it as the best 'truck' of 2011. Freep auto critic Mark Phelan states that in the road ahead, automakers must choose the "right shade of green" for each type of vehicle. Phelan explains:

"The Volt allows most owners to go weeks or months without stopping at a gas pump. The Explorer recasts America's best-selling SUV in a fuel-efficient new form based on the same chassis as the Ford Taurus large sedan."

Interestingly, The Detroit Free Press details its second and third place choices for Car of the Year, with the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf taking those spots, respectively. These two vehicles are finalists for the North American Car of the Year award, and we're wondering if the Free Press' predictions foreshadow the decisions that the NACTOY judges will make (Note: Phelan is a member of the jury). We'll have the answer to that in just a few weeks, but for now, we tip our hats to the Volt and Explorer on taking home the Detroit Free Press awards.

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Volt Versus Leaf seems a non-contest, but time will tell

I wonder how many days it will take in 2011 for a new Chevrolet Volt, with its 300 miles plus of range thanks to a battery backed up by a gasoline motor, to drive past a Nissan Leaf - range indeterminate but said to be 100 miles on a good day - stranded by the side of the road with a flat battery.

Let's hope Volt buyers are generous types who will sympathize with the afflictions of the less fortunate, even though it might be hard to to say I told you so.

After all, despite a $6.6 billion investment program, the battery-powered Leaf is almost undermined by extreme weather, hot or cold. If a Leaf is carrying a full load of passengers, that will curb the amount of miles available. If Leaf drivers venture on to the highway and start doing speeds close to the maximum allowed, the range will dip alarmingly. Perhaps the most surprising thing about battery-only projects is that they survived at all when it became clear that extended ranger electric vehicles like the Volt, and improved plug-in hybrids, were going to be available at the same time. It's not as though vehicles like the Leaf have much of a price advantage. Wouldn't it make more sense for battery-only vehicles to be much less ambitious, cheap and cheerful little golf-cart like vehicles used for a quick jaunt down to the shops?

The extended range Volt has a much smaller battery capability - up to 40 miles we are led to believe - but because of its auxiliary gasoline engine, range is over 300 miles, and of course it can easily be refueled in a couple of minutes at a gas station. A dead Leaf will take maybe eight hours to fully recharge, although a short, sharp charge will take considerably less time.

These huge drawbacks haven't stopped European motoring journalists voting the Leaf Car of the Year for 2011, despite the fact that the over-riding reason for the award was down to its unproven battery technology. This would seem to be a huge hostage to fortune. And its high price (even with the $6,600 government subsidy in Britain) will scare away regular buyers who want value for money and flexibility when they buy a car. In the U.S., some motoring writers have nominated the Volt as Car of the Year, and although its specification promises much more than the Leaf, the car still has much to prove. Will its battery range get consistently close to the claim of 40 odd miles? Can it really perform long term as promised, belting down the highway with power from the gasoline engine generating enough electricity for the purpose? How long will the batteries last?

Maybe by this time next year the Leaf and the Volt will have proved themselves valuable vehicles which will command car buyer's respect. I haven't drive the Volt yet, but my money reckons it is more likely to be in a winning position 12 months from now. I have a vision of the Leaf and other battery-only cars either stranding their owners miles from home, or subjecting them to teeth-grinding humiliation as they creep back to base at 15 miles an hour being overtaken by fist-waving truckers and contemptuous cyclists. We'll see.

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

New model gets highest possible ratings in all Insurance Institute safety tests

    

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze received the highest possible of ratings of "Good" in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which recognized Cruze as a 2011 Top Safety Pick.
"The new Cruze was clearly engineered from the ground up to meet the highest standards in safety performance," said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "The Top Safety Pick award means that buyers of the Cruze will know they're getting state-of-the-art protection in the most common kinds of crashes."

The 2011 Cruze offers more standard safety features than any vehicle in its class and represents Chevrolet's commitment to continuous safety- before, during and after a crash. Standard features include StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, anti-lock brakes, Panic Brake Assist and Enhanced Smart Pedal/Brake Override.

The Cruze is the first car in its class with 10 standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags and head curtain side air bags in the front and outboard rear seating positions and front knee air bags- a first for the segment. OnStar's standard safety and security package is included.

"The IIHS Top Safety Pick Award builds on the already strong global safety reputation of the Cruze," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "Cruze delivers the level of comfort, quality and safety that customers expect in larger, more upscale vehicles with the fuel economy of a compact."

Cruze continues to be a strong contributor to Chevrolet's sales momentum, helping the brand increase retail sales by 13 percent in November. The new Cruze Eco arrives in showrooms in January with segment-leading fuel economy, beating its non-hybrid competitors. Cruze Eco delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg city fuel economy. The model will carry a suggested retail price of $18,895.

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Aveo to be Renamed Sonic

 

Chevrolet announced today that its all-new, U.S. built small car will be called the Chevrolet Sonic in North America. 

"The Sonic represents a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment and so we felt it was time to give it a new name," said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet U.S. Marketing. "The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about."

The small car will carry the Sonic name in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Production of the Sonic begins in 2011 at GM's Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area.

The vehicle will continue to be called Aveo in other parts of the world, where it will be sold in more than 50 countries.


Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealersin the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

GM Performance Parts let you build your own 700-hp Camaro

It's that time of year, kids. Horsepower-crazy General Motors fans are anxiously dancing around their mailboxes waiting for the latest edition of the company's performance parts catalog to arrive. As with past years, the glossy pages are packed from margin to margin with everything you need to give your Bow Tie a little extra giddy up. For 2011, the catalog has fully embraced the Camaro, and a pair of dealer-tweaked versions of the Chevrolet muscle car show exactly what you can do with little more than a crate engine and some spare time.

A Camaro owner decided to plop an LSX454 in their orange Camaro, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission via the same clutch used in the mighty Corvette ZR-1. The car turns over 520 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheels thanks to a tune-port fuel injection system. 

But that's downright child's play compared to what another Camaro owner cooked up. Those wrenches plopped an LS9 behind the Camaro's headlights. With minor tweaking, the supercharged V8 is kicking out right at 700 horsepower, and they threw in beefier axles and a Baer brake system to bring the whole party to a stop. Hit the jump to check out the press releases.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevrolet Volts Begin Shipping to Dealerships

First Customers Should Get Extended-Range Electric Cars Within Days

The first Chevrolet Volts left the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant on Monday destined for initial retail launch markets.  Customers in California, Texas, Washington D.C. and New York could receive the world’s first-and-only electric vehicle with extended-range capability in the next few days. 

These are the first of an expected 160 vehicles to be shipped this week.

“Today is a historic milestone for Chevrolet,” said Tony DiSalle, Volt marketing director. “We have redefined automotive transportation with the Volt, and soon the first customers will be able to experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want.”

The heart of the Volt is its Voltec electric propulsion system, which combines battery-only electric driving with an efficient, gas-powered engine giving the Volt up to 379 total miles of driving before having to recharge the battery or fill up the small gas tank.  The Volt is the only mass produced U.S.-built electric vehicle.

Earlier this year, Chevrolet shipped 15 pre-production Volts to technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates whom were the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a 90-day vehicle and charging evaluation program.

MotorTrend, Automobile and Green Car Journal each recently selected the Volt as their Car of the Year.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Silverado HD Named 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year

The Chevrolet Silverado HD is the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, completing a rare same-year sweep of the prestigious car and truck awards. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

The truck award was presented to GM CEO Dan Akerson before the 111^th Army-Navy Game at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game.

“On the outside the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD appears to have been given a subtle makeover, but it’s what’s under the skin that makes this truck a winner,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie. “Chevy engineers focused on three key areas – powertrain, frame, and suspension – to deliver a truck with significantly improved capability and more refinement.”

The new 2011 Silverado HD built in Flint, Mich., and Fort Wayne, Ind., was introduced this summer, featuring new frame and suspension designs, and a more powerful Duramax diesel engine with 397 horsepower, 765 lb.-ft. of torque, and 11 percent better fuel-economy.  As a result, the 2011 Silverado HD is capable of towing up to 21,700 pounds, or carrying 6,635 pounds of payload. The new Silverado HD also offers available confidence- and control-related features specifically for towing including electronic trailer sway control, hill start assist and smart exhaust brake system.

“With more capability and technology than ever before, we believe the Chevrolet Silverado HD sets the bar for heavy-duty trucks,” said Akerson. “It’s a great honor to have such a respected authority as Motor Trend agree.”

The full report from Motor Trend appears in the February issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early January) and online at www.motortrend.com. Chevrolet also earned the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year award for the Volt, the industry’s first electric car with extended-range capability.

It is the first time since 2006 that one brand has won both Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year awards in the same year. Chevrolet and Buick won both awards in 1979.

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Facebook Gift Card Giveaway Winner

Phillips Chevrolet’s Sales Consultant, Hani Sahoury, congratulates Dawn Davis Churchill for winning a $25 Red Robin gift card on our Facebook page! Follow us Facebook & Twitter for your chance to win.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

GM will change Aveo’s name to Sonic, reports say

General Motors Co. is planning to change the name of its remodeled entry-level sedan, the Chevrolet Aveo, to Sonic next year, according to reports on an independent GM blog and in a newspaper. 

The GM Inside News blog, which is not affiliated with the automaker, first reported the name change this week. Although GM officials refused to confirm the Sonic name choice, the Detroit Free Press reported that two unidentified sources familiar with the plan confirmed the blog report.

According to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records, General Motors LCC filed for a trademark for the name “Chevrolet Sonic” on Oct. 5. 

GM has been considering a name change for the subcompact sedan since October. GM North America President Mark Reuss confirmed that confusion over how to pronounce “Aveo” had sparked the desire for a change.

The redesigned vehicle, which will have hatchback and sedan versions, joins the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming Chevrolet minicar in GM’s small-car segment. 

GM introduced the Aveo in the United States in 2004. It is slated to be built in Orion Township, Mich. The plant had been scheduled to close until GM granted it the production of the Aveo in exchange for UAW concessions that stemmed from the automaker’s 2009 government-sponsored bankruptcy reorganization. 

Sonic is the name of the third-largest dealership group in the United States, based on new-vehicle retail sales units. Sonic Automotive Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., has more than 100 dealerships selling 30 brands. It has Chevrolet dealerships in Alabama, Texas, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

According to the GM Inside News blog, the automaker could show the car during the next auto show circuit, possibly at the Detroit auto show in January.

The 2011 Aveo starts at $12,685, including delivery.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevrolet to be the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game

Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans to Receive New 2011 Silverado HD

Chevrolet will kick off a three-year partnership as the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy Game presented by USAA. This year will be the 111th meeting of the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.  

During the game, Chevrolet also will present a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado to the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans is a part of Achilles International, which provides support to athletes and veterans with disabilities in gyms, parks, and tracks all over the world.

The Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, formed at Walter Reed Medical Center, is dedicated to inspiring wounded veterans to complete a marathon, but stresses “achievable accomplishment” of any form. The Silverado HD will be used by the Freedom Team to transport athletes and equipment necessary to compete in marathons across the country. 

“We appreciate Chevrolet’s continued support of our military and veterans and look forward to Chevrolet being part of America’s Game,” said Jon Starrett, senior associate athletic director, U.S. Naval Academy.

“Chevrolet and the Army have worked hand-in-hand since the Chevrolet Suburban was used for troop transport in World War II,” said Bob Beretta, senior executive associate athletic director, U.S. Military Academy. “And we look forward to Chevrolet’s continued support.”

The partnerships with the Army-Navy game and Achilles International continue Chevrolet’s long-standing support of servicemen and women, according the Chris Perry, vice president Chevrolet marketing:

“We at Chevrolet would like to give something back to those who give so much to our country,” said Perry. “For more than a century the Army-Navy Game which has represented the honor and pride of the Armed Forces that transcends the game of football. We are also proud to support the Freedom Team athletes, who serve as inspirations for all Americans.”

Other Chevrolet efforts to support military personnel include a recent donation of 11,000 hours of prepaid calling cards to troops serving in Afghanistan.

The donation was made possible by Chevrolet and the GM Military Discount program, which collected more than 20,000 cell phones at Chevrolet locations and events across the country. The phones were donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit organization that recycles cell phones and uses the proceeds to provide calling cards for troops serving overseas.

The GM Military Discount is offered to all active and Reserve members – and their spouses – of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. Discounts range based on the suggested retail price of the vehicle purchased. The program also offers an additional $750 discount for members of USAA. Both the GM Military Discount and USAA member discount are available on all Chevrolet models, except the $111,000 Corvette ZR-1. More information can be found at www.gmmilitarydiscount.com.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Furniture Donation

Phillips Chevrolet is purchasing new furniture for the dealership. We would like to donate our used chairs to a non-profit organization (school, church, etc.).

Included are:

20 - Swivel chairs with wheels
43 - Side chairs

If you know of a non-profit organization that would be interested, please contact Leslie Horne at 866-469-9000 ext. 323.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevy Camaro poised to outsell Ford Mustang for first time in 25 years

It's been a quarter-century since the last time it happened, but Chevrolet's reborn Camaro appears set to steal away the yearly pony car sales crown from the Ford Mustang.

According to AutoWeek, the Bowtie Brigade has cleared 75,685 Camaro sales through the end of November, while the Blue Oval has shifted 68,264 units. Extrapolating the monthly sales totals to the end of December, AW estimates that Chevrolet will finish 2010 with around 82,500 sales, besting the Ford's estimate of 74,500. Trailing the muscle car pack in sales is Dodge's Challenger lineup, trending at around 36,000 units.

There has certainly been pent-up demand for the Camaro among consumers after its prolonged absence, but what's even more impressive about its yearly sales total is that if the lead holds, the Chevy will have outsold the Ford and the Dodge with far fewer special editions and no convertible body style like the Mustang. (A drop-top Camaro is slated to go on sale next year, and a high-performance Z28 variant is also expected).

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

Chevy Equinox Remains Fastest-Selling Compact Crossover

Sales jumped 61 percent in November, surpassing Ford Escape and Toyota RAV-4

For the seventh month in a row, consumers made the fuel-efficient Chevrolet Equinox the fastest-selling compact crossover, based on the average time spent on dealer lots. In November, Equinox averaged just 15 days to turn, half the time of other vehicle in the segment.

As Chevrolet increased supply to meet that sustained demand, Equinox retail sales increased 51 percent in November, compared to the same month a year ago. Total Equinox sales jumped 61 percent in November, surpassing both the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV-4.

Equinox sales also significantly outpaced the overall segment, which increased 30 percent in November. For the 2010 calendar year, Equinox share of the segment has increased almost 3 percentage points, to 10.6 percent.

“We don’t expect sales to slow any time soon,” said Kerry Whelan, owner and president of Buff Whelan Chevrolet in Sterling Heights, Mich. “Almost everyone who test drives an Equinox leaves with an Equinox because of how well it drives, its interior design, and its fuel economy.”

Equipped with the standard 2.4L Ecotec engine and six-speed automatic, the front-wheel-drive Equinox delivers a segment-best 32 mpg highway, according to EPA estimates – better than even the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Equinox also offers the best rear legroom in its class, thanks to the MultiFlex rear seat that slides fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm). With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.

Equinox also features an array of standard safety equipment, including six air bags, anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control. Innovative features available on the Equinox include active noise cancellation technology for increased interior refinement, and a rear-view backup camera with the screen integrated into the center rearview mirror.

These features helped earn the Equinox a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In addition, Consumer’s Digest named the Equinox a 2010 Best Buy, and Auto Pacific named the Equinox the Best in Class for their 2010 Ideal Vehicle Awards.

To meet continued consumer demand for the Equinox, Chevrolet has increased production capacity three times since 2009. With the CAMI facility in Ingersoll running at full capacity, Equinox regular production began at the Oshawa Assembly Plant in late September.

The plan utilizes excess capacity from the new CAMI body shop to transport additional Equinox bodies from Ingersoll to Oshawa for paint and final assembly. This adds capacity to build 60,000 to 80,000 more Equinox and GMC Terrain (also built at CAMI) for the Canadian and U.S. markets.

“The Chevrolet Equinox continues to be the fastest selling vehicle in one of the fastest growing vehicle segments,” said Alan Batey vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “This proved to be a creative way to quickly build more vehicles to meet customer demand. As the November sales show, the added production is already helping Chevrolet attract consumer sales we might not have otherwise.”

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

First Chevrolet Volt for Sale to be Auctioned Online, Benefitting Math and Sciences Education in Detroit Public Schools

The first Chevrolet Volt available for retail sale will be offered at public auction with the proceeds benefiting math and sciences education in the Detroit Public Schools.

“Every aspect of the Volt – from its aerodynamic shape to its battery chemistry – is a testament to the importance of math and sciences,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt’s innovative technologies.”

Reuss announced the auction during an event at Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, where the Volt is assembled. At the event, Reuss announced the first Volt built during regular production will be retained by Chevrolet in recognition of the team’s efforts to bring the revolutionary car from concept to reality. The first Volt   bearing the vehicle identification number ending in BU100002 – will be auctioned with all proceeds benefitting the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.

The Volt offered in the auction has a Viridian Joule exterior, Light Neutral interior with dark accents, Premium Trim Package, Rear Camera and Park Assist Package, and polished wheels. The auction also includes a 240-volt charging station and home installation. The opening bid is $50,000.

Bids for the first retail Volt will be accepted at www.bidonthevolt.com until 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. The winning bid will be announced by Chevrolet on Dec. 16. The winner’s Volt will be delivered in December.

Funds raised through the auction will be donated to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation to support initiatives such as robotics competitions – including students’ entry fees, travel costs, and competition-related equipment. 

“One of our primary focus areas is science and math enrichment,” said Chacona W. Johnson, President & CEO of the foundation.  “Knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and math is critical for the success of our students in higher education, and in their future careers in the 21st century workforce.”

The tax-exempt Detroit Public Schools Foundation is dedicated to supporting Detroit students. In addition to science and math enrichment, the foundation supports fine and performing arts programs; early childhood investment; building academic and athletic leadership; and college preparatory investment.

“An estimated 80 percent of jobs in the next decade are going to require skills based in math and science. With the support of GM, Detroit students will be better equipped to make a difference in Detroit, in Michigan, and in the United States,” said Robert Bobb, Detroit Public Schools emergency financial manager. “We appreciate General Motors’ support in developing the next generation of engineers.”

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle that can operate under a range of weather climates and driving conditions with little concern of being stranded by a depleted battery. The Volt has a total driving range of up to 375 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 340 miles on a full tank.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Named ‘Urban Car of the Year’

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze is the Urban Car of the Year as voted by judges at Decisive Media and an independent panel of 15 automotive journalists.

Cruze features the spaciousness and amenities of a midsize car with the fuel economy of a compact. The Cruze Eco model features a new Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that delivers an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway, leads the segment in fuel economy. It also is a segment leader in safety features, including 10 standard air bags.

 “If you really want to see evidence of a turnaround at GM, look no farther than Cruze,” said Lyndon Conrad Bell, editor in chief of Decisive Auto. “Handsome styling, an attractive interior, competent powertrains, an enjoyable driving experience, exceptional practicality, and ready affordability all come together to make the Chevrolet Cruze Decisive Auto’s 2011 Urban Car of The Year.”

 “I was very impressed after driving the new Chevrolet Cruze for the first time,” said Randi Payton, publisher of Decisive Media. “I immediately saw it as a contender for Urban Car of the Year and there was no doubt in my mind that our 15 judges would think so too. When the votes were tallied, my predictions rang true.”

“We set out to redefine the compact segment with Cruze by offering customers more of the features they want for less money than comparably equipped competitive models,” said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet Small Car marketing director. “The Cruze offers significantly more value than the competition – with more standard equipment, segment leading safety features, segment leading fuel economy and a fun-to-drive ride characteristic.”

Cruze pricing ranges from $16,995 to $22,695.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials! Follow Phillips Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to receive coupons, special offers and prizes!