Phillips Chevrolet's Blog

Friday, October 8, 2010

$5 Sale is Back at Phillips Chevrolet

By popular demand we are bringing back our $5 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.

Click here to enter.

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.

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 Extends EV Development with Demo Fleet of Electric Chevrolet Cruzes

General Motors today announced a demonstration project to explore market needs and customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles in Korea. The project involves a fleet of electric vehicles based on the successful Chevrolet Cruze. The result of shared development with GM Daewoo, LG Chem and LG Electronics, the electric Cruzes will be part of a demo fleet that will operate in South Korea's capital, Seoul.

The project is aimed at benefiting GM's core vehicle electrification competencies, which include batteries, electric motors, power controls and charging. It will provide real-world data on customer acceptance of battery electric vehicles, studying driving patterns and charging behavior while sharing costs and resources. This is a key initiative in GM's global battery and electric vehicle development strategy. The demo project is expected to launch by the end of October. GM demonstration fleets with other partners are also being launched in other urban markets later this year.

The Cruze EV demo fleet will be the first full-size sedan electric vehicles to hit the road and will be powered by batteries from LG Chem and propulsion systems (motor/inverter) from LG Electronics. GM's EV demo fleet in South Korea will consist of Chevrolet Cruzes and GM Daewoo Lacetti Premieres. GM currently markets the vehicle under the local brand in South Korea.

"This Cruze EV demonstration project reinforces GM's commitment to being a leader in the development of electric vehicles and green technologies, building on our portfolio of hybrids and the Chevrolet Volt," said Karl Stracke, Vice President, GM Global Vehicle Engineering. "We'll apply the learnings from this and our other demo projects to help us deliver the world's best vehicles for our customers."

The Cruze EV is equipped with a 31-kWh battery that generates maximum power of 150 kW. The demonstration fleet will be monitored closely to determine the amount of real-world range achievable by a vehicle of its size. On specific test schedules conducted by LG Chem, the demonstration vehicles may achieve a range of up to 160 km (100 miles). The vehicles can go from 0 to 100 km/h (60 miles per hour) in 8.2 seconds with a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.5 miles per hour).

On a standard household 220-volt outlet, the Cruze EV can be fully recharged in 8 to 10 hours. Part of the demonstration fleet's task is to test a "quick charge" application that could reduce the charge time significantly.

"Although there is much more work to be done, our ability to develop this vehicle in less than a year offers a peek at the very promising plans we have for our customers in Korea and around the world," said Mike Arcamone, GM Daewoo President and CEO.

While battery packs often occupy trunk space, the Cruze EV's battery pack is mounted on the underbody. This gives the Cruze EV the same trunk space as conventional vehicles with gasoline engines.

"Expanding the domestic electric vehicle market carries significant meaning for collaboration between GM Daewoo and LG Chem," said Peter Bahnsuk Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of LG Chem. "Over the past two years, we have forged a strong partnership with GM, and now we look forward to doing the same with GM Daewoo in our home country."

Since 2008, GM has been working with LG Chemical, which is the exclusive supplier of battery cells for the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The Volt enters the U.S. market later this year. The development of the Chevrolet Cruze EV demo fleet will expand this collaboration.
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 Batteries Could Enable Renewable Energy Solutions

Partnership with ABB Group to identify post-vehicle applications for Volt batteries

General Motors and ABB Group will work together to develop pilot projects for re-using the batteries from the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, examining whether the batteries may be a source for renewable energy that could improve the effectiveness of wind and solar power generation.

The opportunity is the basis of a memorandum of understanding signed between General Motors and ABB Group.

The two companies are collaborating to determine how the Volt's 16-kWh lithium-ion batteries can be used to provide stationary electric grid storage systems once the batteries have fulfilled their usefulness in customers' vehicles.

The ultimate goal is to provide cost-effective, innovative solutions that will improve the efficiency of the country's electrical grid.

"The Volt's battery will have significant capacity to store electrical energy, even after its automotive life," said Micky Bly, GM Executive Director of Electrical Systems, Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and Batteries. "That's why we're joining forces with ABB to find ways to enable the Volt batteries to provide environmental benefits that stretch far beyond the highway."

Bly announced the partnership Tuesday at the EV Battery Tech conference here. "Our relationship with ABB will help develop solutions that optimize the full lifecycle of the Volt battery," Bly said. The Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range will provide customers with a standard, eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on its advanced, lithium-ion battery. It is the automotive industry's longest, most comprehensive battery warranty for an electric vehicle, and is transferable at no cost to other vehicle owners.

The Volt's comprehensive battery warranty covers all 161 battery components, 95 percent of which are designed and engineered by GM, in addition to the thermal management system, charging system and electric drive components.

ABB is the world's largest supplier of power grid systems and a leader in power and automation technologies. Their technologies enable utilities and industry to improve performance, while reducing their environmental impact.

"Future smart grids will incorporate a larger proportion of renewable energy sources and will need to supply a vast e-mobility infrastructure – both of which require a wide range of energy storage solutions," said Bazmi Husain, head of ABB's smart grids initiative. "We are excited to explore the possibility of employing electric car batteries in a second use that could help build needed storage capacity and provide far-reaching economic and environmental benefits."

Engineers and researchers from both companies are working together to study:

- Renewable Energy Storage: Power generated by wind and the sun can be stored in Volt battery systems and used when demand warrants.

- Grid Load Management: Utilities will be able to use the Volt batteries to store electricity generated during off-peak periods to supplement demand during high-peak operation. This will help utilities to better manage the grid, improving reliability and efficiency.

- Back-up Power Supplies for Communities: Volt battery systems can store electricity that can be used by communities during power outages caused by storms or other natural disasters.

- Time of Use Management: Industrial customers can store off-peak, lower-priced electrical power in Volt batteries for use during peak demand time of day for cost savings.

"Chevrolet and GM are committed to assuring that our vehicles minimize their impact on the environment," Bly said. "Our focus on finding additional applications for the Volt's batteries after their vehicle use extends our commitment to unprecedented levels."

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!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Hennessey building ZR1-powered HPE700 Chevy Camaro Convertible

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible is getting ready to take the stage at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, but John Hennessey and his band of tuners can't wait that long. Hennessey Performance has announced plans and specs for its upcoming, limited-edition 2011 Hennessey HPE700 Camaro Convertible.

HPE had a hit on its hands when it announced the 2010 HPE700 Camaro. That 725-horsepower coupe was limited to just 24 examples and they were all quickly spoken for. Since Chevrolet is bringing out the droptop Camaro, Hennessey has decided to produce another 24-car limited-edition run with the 2011 model. The 2011 Hennessey HPE700 will be available in both coupe and convertible form, and the cars stats are staggering.

The HPE700 ditches the LS3 mill found in the standard Camaro SS and in its place sticks the supercharged LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. Hennessey says the motor has been tweaked to produce 755 hp and 763 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8 is able to hit those numbers thanks to revised boost levels and a more robust fuel system. Thanks to all that power, Hennessey has listed a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. A trip down the quarter-mile happens in 10.9 seconds at 130 miles per hour. Those figures are for the hardtop version when fitted with optional Nitto drag radials.

It's not just a straight-line shooter though, as Hennessey adds more than power to its HPE700. The car is fitted with lightweight HPE wheels, 15-inch brakes with six-piston front calipers, larger sway bars and an adjustable coilover suspension setup. The exterior is fitted with numerous carbon fiber trim pieces. Inside, the HPE700 Camaro receives Hennessey logos on the headrests and floor mats, an HPE race shift knob and upgraded shifter, a numbered dash and hood plaque and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Currently, there is no set allocation plan for the coupe and convertible in the 24-car run. Pricing has been set at a stout $132,500, but that includes the cost of the base vehicle. It also includes a one-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park. The quarter-mile dragstrip, which has been featured in many of Hennessey's videos, is located next door to the company's production facility and showroom.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Neiman Marcus edition

It's a big day for the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. General Motors has pulled back the curtains on a low-volume special edition version of the drop-top muscle car set to go on sale next year. The vehicle is slated to be featured in the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book – a catalog of high-end goodies for the ruling class. Only 100 examples of the Neiman Marcus Camaro Convertible will be sold through the catalog, each wearing special Deep Bordeaux paint and boasting drivetrain components borrowed from the mighty Camaro SS. That means there's a full 426 horsepower on tap. Inside, GM has slathered the cockpit in leather touches only available on this special edition.

Want one? You better have been one very, very good boy or girl this year. The price tag for the beast you see above is $75,000.

The General also showed off a handful of additional photos of the standard Camaro Convertible on Facebook. This time, we get a closer look at the vehicle's interior. Fortunately, the base Camaro drop head should come at a more tolerable $30,000.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

First Cruze

The first brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze to hit the road from Phillips Chevrolet was purchased by Leslie McVeigh on September 30, 2010. This is the same day Phillips received its first set of Chevrolet Cruzes.

To watch the first Chevy Cruze drive off the truck onto Phillips Chevrolet’s property, click the video below.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Phillips Chevrolet is #4 in the Nation!

Phillips Chevrolet is celebrating being #4 in the nation out of 3,800 Chevy dealers in new vehicle sales for the month of September!! This is our highest ranking month! We would like to thank all of our customers and employees, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Top 10 Chevrolet Dealers

MTD Retail Sales as of Sep 30, 2010

Rank BAC / Description / City / State / Retail Deliveries

1 / CLASSIC CHEVROLET, LTD. / GRAPEVINE / TX / 358

2 / KARL CHEVROLET, INC. / ANKENY / IA / 317

3 / BUFF WHELAN CHEVROLET, INC. / STERLING HEIGHTS / MI / 291

4 / PHILLIPS CHEVROLET INC / FRANKFORT / IL / 263

5 / MUNDAY CHEVROLET / HOUSTON / TX / 252

6 / LONE STAR CHEVROLET / JERSEY VILLAGE / TX / 250

7 / JOE BASIL CHEVROLET, INC. / DEPEW / NY / 239

8 / PADDOCK CHEVROLET, INC. / KENMORE / NY / 233

9 / MORAN CHEVROLET, INC. / CLINTON TOWNSHIP / MI / 225

10 / BOB JOHNSON CHEVROLET / ROCHESTER / NY / 214