You Can Save Over $15,000 With GM’s 0% For 72 Months!

Last week I wrote about incentives and the marketplace, explaining that the slower business is, the better the incentives get. Well, the ink on the newspaper was barely dry when GM announced 0% financing for 72 months on most 08 GM cars and trucks. If you compare the normal finance charge on a $65,000 SUV to 0% you could easily realize savings over $15,000. Even at today’s gas prices, $15,000 buys a lot of gas. In fact that’s almost 4 years worth of gas for the typical driver of a full size SUV. If you compare gas prices from last year to this, you could drive 13 years before using up the savings at $4.00 per gallon assuming you drive 15,000 miles per year at 15 mpg average.

And GM didn’t restrict this savings to only full size pickup trucks and SUV’s; it applies to some of our most fuel efficient cars as well. And remember that GM offers more vehicles that get 30 mpg highway than any other manufacturer. If you have been considering trading your current vehicle on something that gets better fuel economy, this is a great time to do that as well. You could finance an $18,000 G6 with no money down for about $250 per month and get over 30 mpg highway. Think of the annual savings there. Considering that you will have only basic maintenance expenses with no repair cost while under warranty, your monthly ownership cost for the first three years could be as little as $270 per month. This considers estimated basic required maintenance at today’s rates if performed at the GM Giant, for the first three years on a Pontiac G6 added to your car payment. It also assumes 15,000 miles per year driving with service following GM’s Maintenance I and II.

As I wrote about last week, if you want to ad to your commercial fleet, this is an incredible time to buy a new pickup truck. The savings with 0% for 72 months are as good as it gets. Add to that the fact that JD Powers rated GM’s full size Silverado as the highest quality full size pickup on the market based on initial quality surveys and GM’s best warranty in America, and you have an incredible value.

General Motors continues to amaze the automotive press with the incredible engineering of its new products. The Chevy Malibu has been touted as equal to or better than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord by the automotive press. Now the preliminary tests indicate the new Chevy Traverse to be better than Toyota Highlander. The trend of Japanese vehicles being considered superior to GM’s is now turning as the nations’ best selling automaker is proving that it can build the best cars and trucks in the world.

In years gone by, the big three used incentives alone to sell cars and trucks. Now GM is building the best cars and trucks in the world, and because the public is still skeptical, they are using incentives to get you to try the product. If you are even remotely thinking about purchasing or leasing a new car or truck, this is the best time in history to consider General Motors. For more information on this and other GM cars and trucks, visit us at www.gmgiant.com. Drive safely... Hurry, though- 0% financing for 72 months ends Monday, 6/30/08.

This May Be A Great Time For Businesses To Add To Their Company Vehicle Feet!

It is no secret that truck and full size SUV sales are slow. In fact nationwide they are off almost 30%. This is due primarily to high fuel prices and a slowing economy. Many businesses, especially those that depend on the housing industry are feeling the pinch of slow business. But businesses that need trucks to do their work will eventually need new ones.

So why should a business add to their fleet now? I say add to your fleet rather than replacing trucks because the pendulum on truck trades has swung a bit too far to the left. Used truck prices are depressed because of the psyche of the consumer who is looking for cars that get great fuel economy, not trucks designed to do the work of American business. I am certain that there will be some recovery in truck values. It always happens after any market overcorrection. Business owners can keep their old truck as a convenience or wait until the values recover and sell them outright in the public market or to their dealer. If you want to trade, GM is offering rebates that go a long way to offset depressed trade values.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to buy now is the incentives the factory is putting on trucks. GM announced the closing of four truck plants last month. But make no mistake; GM still relies heavily on truck production to support corporate profitability. To keep the dealers ordering trucks and the plants rolling, GM is offering some of the most incredible savings I have ever seen. Right now you can get up to $6,000 in incentives or 0% financing for up to 60 months. There are other offers that combine financing and rebates. If you have a larger fleet of vehicles there are cap leasing plans and fleet incentives that are the best in decades.

Another compelling reason to purchase a new truck or SUV is fuel economy. Over the past 5 years there have been significant engineering advances in engine and transmission technology that yield better fuel efficiency than ever before. Use of composite materials makes new trucks lighter, increasing payload and miles per gallon. GM’s trucks offer the best V8 mileage of any full size truck on the market. And with GM’s “Best Warranty in America” including 100,000 mile power-train coverage, your ownership costs will be less than ever.

The automobile market is not unlike the stock market. When no one is buying the prices are lower. When everyone is buying the prices go up. By comparison, the factory is offering incentives to get you to buy now. Once the market recovers, there will not be the need for incentives that are as aggressive as the ones we see today.

Business cycles are somewhat predictable. History tells us that recessions typically last about 8 months. In August it will have been 6 months since the Federal Reserve Bank slashed rates almost three percent. Economists are generally unanimous in the belief that rate cuts work their way into the economy with the greatest benefit starting 6 months after the cuts. The government has offered one economic stimulus package and more are sure to follow. Many economists believe that although the price of oil will probably never return to 2006 levels, there is a bubble of speculation that sooner or later will burst as any speculative investment trend does. When the housing bubble got to big, it deflated. When tech stocks got out of control the market adjusted. So too will the oil bubble. It is not a question of if but when.

If you believe the economy will recover in the next 12 months, and you require trucks for your work, I suggest that this may be the best time in decades to ad to your fleet. If you are a business person that is trying to re-engineer your systems to accommodate more fuel efficient vehicles, perhaps even cars, we have a solution there as well. But that is the topic of another Did You Know article.

For information on this and any other GM programs visit us online at www.gmgiant.com.

Chevy Malibu Ranked #1 In JD Powers Quality Ranking!

Not only is the new Chevy Malibu the North American car of the year, it just won top honors in the mid sized car segment in JD Power & Associates prestigious initial quality survey. In fact, this volume product priced in the low twenty thousand dollar range finished fourth over all behind the Lexus LS, Mercedes S Class, and Porsche 911 all priced at triple that of the Malibu. Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press wrote, “The Malibu’s achievement is most significant...the fact that the Malibu rolled out of the factory straight into first place - and even more impressive fourth-best among all vehicles of all prices – validates GMs new emphasis on cars.”

And these aren’t the only accolades and awards for Malibu. In addition to North American Car of the Year, Malibu was named car of the year by the Detroit Free Press. It was ranked in Car & Drivers 10 Best. It was named best new vehicle and best redesigned vehicle by Kelley Blue Book. Parents Magazine/Edmonds.com named Malibu Best Family Car. OnWheels named it best urban vehicle and Kiplinger’s named it best in class and best new car.

If you Google Malibu you will find dozens of articles about the car. In my search I could not find one that didn’t immediately compare it to Camry and Accord. All of them were favorable with comments like these from Car and Driver. “Camry Beware” and “anyone looking at Accord or Camry should consider Malibu”. The New York Times said, “It’s like a super Accord only it’s from GM”.

With today’s fuel prices you will be pleased to know that Malibu leads its segment with an EPA highway rating of 30MPG and 32MPG for the hybrid version. Priced from $20,295 to $28,870, depending on equipment, the Malibu includes GM’s OnStar system that can provide turn by turn navigation and will send emergency services to you in case of air bag deployment.

GM told us they would build a better car than Camry and Accord, and I believe they finally have. And buying a Chevy Malibu gives you an opportunity to support the American economy by purchasing a vehicle that is not only assembled in North America, it uses components mostly produced in North America, and you are supporting an American Corporation.

For years the Japanese have dominated the small and mid size passenger car market. GM now has an offering that not only competes with the Japanese, in my opinion is superior to their offerings. I encourage you to test drive a Malibu and compare it to the competition. For more information on this or any GM products, log on to gmgiant.com. Drive safely!

You Can Save Big Money, Lots of Gas, and Get A $2,200 Tax Credit!

I have never been through a car market like this in my life. The closest was from 1980 to 81. The country was in recession and fuel prices were through the roof. The difference now is first that finance rates are low compared to rates so high in the 80’s that the legal limit on car loans had to be raised to accommodate the high fed funds rate. The other big difference is that in the 80’s the domestics had no idea how to build a fuel efficient vehicle that would meet federal emission standards.

Today, GM sells more vehicles that get over 30 mpg highway than any other manufacturer. And these aren’t just shoe boxes on wheels with mice running on a conveyer. They are incredible vehicles, and during GM’s Memorial Day Sales Event there are some incredible savings. Here are just a few:

- Chevy Cobalt gets 36 mpg hwy
- Pontiac G6 gets 30 mpg hwy
- Chevy HHR gets 30 mpg hwy
- Chevy Malibu gets 30 mpg hwy
- Pontiac G5 gets 35 mpg hwy
- Chevy Aveo gets 35 mpg hwy
- Pontiac Vibe gets 34 mpg hwy
- Chevy Malibu Hybrid gets 32 mpg hwy

During the GM Memorial Day Sales Event there are incredible savings. Take the Chevy Cobalt for example: You can purchase a new Cobalt for under $13,500 after $2,000 in available incentives. This is a 36 mpg highway vehicle. With today’s low interest rates you can probably lower your current payment and significantly improve your fuel economy over your present car, even if you are driving a compact.

Now here is another reason to consider GM this week. The GM Giant just purchased two Tahoe Hybrid trucks that had been used for evaluations by GM’s engineers. They have less than 4,000 miles on them and will qualify for financing as low as 4.9% APR. And GM can offer something on their hybrids you cannot get from Toyota, and that is a tax credit of up to $2,200. Toyota and Honda have used most or all of their allocation of credits for hybrid vehicle sales. GM is just getting started. Until GM sells 60,000 hybrid vehicles, the Tahoe and Yukon Hybrids will qualify for a $2,200 credit on your federal income tax. This is a credit, not just an adjustment in taxable income.

I mentioned last week that you can improve your fuel economy, help the local and national economy and reduce the emissions you pump into the air simply by replacing your old car with a new one. GM has made that easier with their Memorial Day Sales Event. Visit us at www.gmgiant.com for more information. Next week I plan on a comparison between the Yukon Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander. We had a request for that on our blog. I know already that you will benefit from the tax credit with GM. Thanks for reading and drive safely. The sale ends 6/2/08.

10 Reasons to Buy a Chevy

In the increasingly competitive world of car or truck buying, it's sometimes a challenge to sort through all the options. Then again, in the spirit of David Letterman, we've come up with the Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Chevy.

Reason #10: Optional equipment that's either "best in class" or simply not available elsewhere. A number of Chevy models beat the competition when it comes to what you can order.

Reason #9: Room to stretch. The Impala seats six adults (products from Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Ford offer just five).

Reason #8: Be safe. Chevy vehicles are highly rated for safety by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Reason #7: Best warranty. Chevy's standard 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage, plus 5-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Reason #6: Lower cost. Starting price for the Impala is less than the Camry LE, Accord, Altima, and Fusion. You'll ride in style and spend less.

Reason #5: Go further. With gas prices on a seemingly one-way trip to the moon, fuel sipping models like Chevy's Aveo (24 city/34 highway) and Cobalt (36 mpg highway with manual transmission) help.

Reason #4: People you know. Americans are making vehicles like the Impala among the highest rated from a loyalty standpoint.

Reason #3: Get up and go. Even smaller vehicles like Chevy's Aveo can turn it on when needed, with 103 horsepower/107 pounds of torque. On the other end of the spectrum, the 505 horses under the hood of the legendary Z06 Corvette.

Reason #2: Whisper quiet. Even a smaller vehicle like Chevy's Cobalt is quieter on the highway than the Corolla, Civic or Focus.

And the number one reason for buying a Chevy: It's part of the American Revolution—built to last, built to dazzle, built to have you coming back for even more value, performance and durability.

Chevy Cobalt Stands Tall in Competitive Comparisons!

Shoppers looking for a truly outstanding fuel sipping but feature-full vehicle need only look to Chevy's Cobalt for the solution to their transportation needs.

Yes, the Cobalt is an outstanding choice. Here's why: While choice has never been an issue—there being competitive products that include Toyota's Corolla, the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Ford's Focus—from almost every measure, the Chevrolet Cobalt is the leader.

Since many people vote with their wallet, price is a good place to start: the Cobalt has a lower sticker price than any of the competitive products. It is also more likely to cost less to maintain, according to ratings from Intellichoice.com, which named the Cobalt "Best in Class" winner for "SmartChoice Low Maintenance Costs."
With fuel costs going sky-high, more and more consumers are making it both an economic and environmental point to lean toward the vehicle that's going to take them farthest on that $3-plus gallon of gas. And that vehicle is more likely to be the Cobalt, which is highly competitive (depending on the model, it beats out many of its challengers when it comes to the government's fuel economy ratings).

Let's face it, though. Functionality is important, but we want to look good on the road.

Cobalt's international heritage—GM did an outstanding job of melding the styling of its European subsidiary with classic Chevrolet lines—means heads will turn right here on the American roads this incredibly efficient vehicle is meant to navigate.

But is it safe? You bet.

Both the Sport Coupe and Sedan have GM's StabiliTrak as standard features (to help avoid collisions) and a host of safety features designed to protect occupants from injury in the event of a mishap, including dual-stage front air bags with occupant sensing, head-curtain side-impact air bags.

It's a winning combination, according to the widely respected Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which gave the Chevrolet Cobalt its "Best Pick" rating for crash safety.

The features don't stop there. Standard equipment on the Cobalt includes GM's awesome OnStar system, electric power steering, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 playback, auxiliary input jack and XM Satellite Radio. There's also a Driver Information Center.

A "loaded up" Cobalt might include remote vehicle starter, leather-trimmed seats with heated front seat cushions, power sunroof and 6-disc CD changer, depending on the choice of model.

Cobalt drivers and passengers are never shortchanged. A wide-pivoting center armrest, standard on the Cobalt, is just one of the features that makes this vehicle one of the most appealing from an interior standpoint.

GM has done a great job of anticipating not only what drivers want and need in an incredibly fuel-efficient but what they're dreaming about—style that will turn heads, a maintenance schedule that recognizes the demands of an always-busy lifestyle, and quality that stands up to world-class scrutiny.

Basic features that are either not available on the competition or at extra cost means smart drivers are doing themselves a service by considering the Chevrolet Cobalt for their next purchase.

It's a vehicle that stands tall in a proudly American tradition, unabashedly efficient, yet stylish in its execution.

Take one out for a test drive and you won't be disappointed. Miss this one and you'll wish you hadn't. For more information about the 2008 Chevy Cobalt or any of the vehicles available at the GM Giant, visit www.gmgiant.com.

GM Certified Used Vehicles Have a 5 Year 100,000 Mile Powertrain Warranty!

You know, as hard as it is for me to say this, a new GM vehicle is not always the best value for every consumer. Many people drive more than 15,000 miles per year and would like to replace their vehicle more often. For these and many other consumers, a Certified Used GM Vehicle may be the best option.

When you purchase a Certified Used GM Vehicle, the initial depreciation has already been absorbed by the original owner. The obvious advantage here is that the prices are much less than a new vehicle. GM has strict requirements for a vehicle to be considered Certified. First they have to be 5 years old or newer, and have less than 60,000 miles on them. It is our mission to have our Certified Used Vehicles be as much “like new” as we can reasonably make them.

Every GM Certified Used Vehicle has to pass a 117 point inspection. This inspection includes every operating system on the vehicle. All cosmetic issues must be dealt with and repaired. At the GM Giant, tire tread must be at least 50% of what it was when new, and the same applies to brakes. This is far greater than the minimums for Maryland State Inspection.

GM Certified Used Vehicles carry a 3 month 3,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty extension. Most used car dealers in Maryland offer the 30 day 1,000 mile limited warranty required by Maryland law. GM’s Certified Warranty gives you a minimum of 3 months or 3000 mile warranty whichever comes first, tied to the 5 year 100,000 mile Power Train Warranty from original in service date.

The GM Giant offers a 7 day 300 mile exchange policy. If you don’t like your certified used vehicle, bring it back. We even do a CARFAX vehicle history report on every Certified Used Vehicle, to provide you our best available assurance that the vehicle has not been damaged due to accident or flood. If there has been minor damage, we will disclose that prior to sale. If there has been any damage that might compromise the integrity of the vehicle, it cannot be certified.

But what about financing? Typically, used car finance rates are higher than new. Because of the high quality of GM Certified Used Vehicles, GMAC and most banks offer “like new” financing rates on Certified Used Vehicles. In fact, GMAC is offering financing rates as low as 2.9% APR right now on selected late model Certified Used Vehicles.

As if all of this isn’t good enough, Certified Cadillac Used Vehicles get all of this plus a 100,000 Cadillac Certified Used Vehicle Warranty that covers almost everything outside of maintenance for up to 5 years and 100,000 miles from the original in service date. You should refer to the GM Giant for restrictions and details about all certified coverage, or visit gmcertified.com.

Some people are uncomfortable purchasing used vehicles because of anxiety about condition and quality. The GM Giant tries to take this anxiety away with GM Certified Used Vehicles. To see our Certified Used Vehicle inventory, visit www.gmgiant.com.