Phillips Chevrolet's Sales Consultant #2 in Illinois

(Pictured left to right): Alan Batey, Vice President of sales for Chevrolet; Rami Alamawi, Phillips Chevrolet's Sales Consultant; and Maurice Williams, Regional Sales & Marketing Manager of Chevrolet

Phillips Chevrolet's sales consultant, Rami Alamawi, is the #2 selling sales consultant in Illinois with 189 new vehicles sold for 2010! "2010 was a great year all around," says Alamawi. "Phillips was once again the #1 selling Chevrolet dealer in the state of Illinois and over entire zone. I'm just glad I was able to contribute."

Alamawi adds, "I'm also excited to see what 2011 brings!"

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!

Phillips Chevrolet is the Number One Selling Chevy Dealer in Illinois for Fifth Consecutive Year!

At the Chicago Auto Show on February 11, 2011, Phillips Chevrolet received an award for being Illinois' #1 selling Chevy dealer for 2010. Phillips sold a total of 2,493 new vehicles for the year of 2010. Phillips Chevy has received this award every year since 2006.

In the United States, Phillips was ranked 9th in Chevrolet new vehicle sales out of 3,200 Chevy dealers.

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 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.

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 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!

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!

Time is running out! Be sure to enter to win a chance to purchase a Malibu for $5!

By popular demand we are bringing back our $5 car sale at Phillips Chevrolet.  On November 20, 2010 at 2:00 PM, one lucky winner will purchase a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu for $5*.  The vehicle will be displayed at our dealership for everyone to view before entering drawing.  No purchase necessary.  Winner need not be present.  Must be 18 years or older with valid driver's license to participate.

No purchase necessary.  Duplicate entries will disqualify contestant.  Employees and immediate families are ineligible to participate. Must be 18 years or older with valid driver's license to participate.  Winner will be drawn on November 20, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Phillips Chevrolet. Winner need not be present.  *Add tax, title, doc and license fees.

Click here to enter!

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!

Camaro Named ‘Hottest Car’ in Inaugural SEMA Award

The Chevrolet Camaro has been named the “hottest car” at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The inaugural SEMA Award recognizes the most accessory-friendly new models, based on the number of vehicles exhibited at the show.

“A booth space is a ballot, and the models these exhibitors have selected represent their vote,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. 

According to SEMA, exhibitors manufacture thousands of products that improve performance, convenience, appearance and comfort. While products are available for every make and model vehicle, exhibitors are investing more into the Chevrolet Camaro than any other car. Consumers, therefore, can expect to find more options for personalizing their Camaro.

“More than any other venue, the cars exhibitors and attendees bring to SEMA embody the passion and excitement of car enthusiasts everywhere,” said John Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager. “Based on the sheer number of Camaros displayed on the floor, and parked in the adjacent lots, the Camaro is clearly the hottest car of the show.”

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!

Goodbye HHR

As some of you have already heard, the retail production of the Chevrolet HHR will be ending at the end of this year. The HHR is a retro-styled SUV, based off of the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban. It was first launched in 2006. There are still a few HHRs left, so get yours while you still can.

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!

Third in the Nation!

Phillips Chevrolet is ranked third in the United States in Camaro sales YTD. Phillips has Illinois’ Largest Chevy Inventory! Receive up to $1,500 worth of accessories with any New 2010 Camaro purchase. Ends soon!!

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!

Camaro Club Visits Phillips Chevrolet

Chicago’s 5^th Generation Camaro Club stopped by Phillips Chevrolet located on Routes 30 & 45 in Frankfort, Illinois, to visit Chicago Bears’ cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman who signed autographs for his fans that afternoon.

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!

2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Spotted

Someone has spotted what looks to be like the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. We can't see from the front if the Chevy logo is there. But from the rear, we can definitely see the bowtie. It is indeed a Chevrolet vehicle.

Luckily, in another sticker-related misstep, someone opened the door and revealed one of the most poorly placed communiques we’ve ever seen: a tag on the dash that confirms that this is a Camaro Z28—a vehicle often rumored but not officially announced. Even better, the sticker reveals that this mule is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 backed up by a six-speed automatic transmission. Chances are equally good that the Camaro Z28 also will be offered with a six-speed manual. So, in a sense, you can think of the Z28 as the Chevy Awesome.

The tape and camo is thwarting our ability to discern all of the styling changes, but we do note a few. The rocker panels might be reshaped, and there’s a new rear fascia with quad pipes sticking out. (The current top-dog Camaro, the SS, sports dual exhaust pipes.) And we bet the mosquito netting up front is hiding some mean-looking grillework. The matte-black rims are wrapped in wide, Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, and there’s some seriously big brake hardware on display.

And while we usually have to make an educated guess as to when prototypes such as this will appear in showrooms, that info also was revealed by the dash sticker. Expect this awesomest of factory Camaros for the 2012 model year. We predict a Detroit auto show reveal in January, and expect sales to commence by the fall of next 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!