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Monday, September 26, 2011

Chevy Bang For Your Buck - Verified!


Chevy wins two Edmunds.com True Cost To Own Awards®

To choose the winners of its 2011 True Cost to Own® Awards2, the team at Edmunds.com gathered data on every 2011 vehicle on the market and estimated the five-year cost of owning each. After comparing every vehicle, Chevrolet came out on top twice: The 2011 Equinox and the 2011 Silverado 2500HD Regular Cab pickup.

“The 2011 Chevy Equinox is a stylish and comfortable entry in the highly competitive small-crossover segment,” Edmunds.com says. “RAV4 and CR-V shoppers should take notice.” They also note Equinox’s “premium look inside and out,” quiet cabin with tons of storage, and highly fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

For the Silverado, Edmunds.com says: “Notably improved with added capability, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is an excellent choice for a heavy-duty truck.” Some of the highlighted features are “impressive hauling and towing capabilities; refined and quiet ride; solid build quality; responsive steering; comfortable seats.”

The True Cost to Own® takes multiple factors into account. The Total Cash Price includes MSRP, typically equipped options, and other standard charges, taxes and fees. Depreciation is the amount by which the value of a vehicle declines from its purchase price to the estimated resale value. Insurance and financing are based on a well-qualified purchaser.

Importantly, the calculation also includes fuel, based on revised EPA ratings, assuming 45% highway and 55% city driving, and maintenance and repairs. Maintenance is the estimated expense of both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, including replacing tires and other parts.

See the Equinox and Silverado... CLICK

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Move Over, Mom: Dad’s Becoming the Car Pool King


National survey finds majority of fathers active in driving kids to and fro

DETROIT – As children across America head back to school, a new survey commissioned by Chevrolet finds that many fathers in America are taking more of an active role in before-and after-school carpooling duties, with utility vehicles the preferred choice of dads over minivans.

An online survey conducted by Harris Interactive® showed that 80 percent of fathers in the United States with children age 17 or younger take an active role in daily family life, with more than 70 percent driving their kids to school, daycare or extracurricular activities.

But in the evolution of carpooling, the study also showed that both drivers and their vehicles have changed. While moms may prefer minivans for their sliding doors, more than half (58 percent) of the dads surveyed prefer to do their business, personal and leisure shuttling in a family hauler that doesn’t question their masculinity. In fact, survey results demonstrated that fathers gave their current family vehicle a 6.4 “cool” rating on a 10-point scale.

Utility vehicles – such as SUVs and crossovers – were the most-preferred vehicles among fathers for accomplishing all their work week, weekend and family activities. Less than one quarter surveyed indicated that they prefer a minivan for these tasks.

“According to recent Census data, there are 154,000 stay-at-home dads and more than 25 million dads who have kids under 17. The trend is shifting and men are becoming more involved with family-driving duties. We’re seeing the rise of the ‘Dadmobile,’” said James Bell, head of General Motors Consumer Affairs.

“The minivan has long been seen as the quintessential family car, but its heyday might be over with crossovers and SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Tahoe or Equinox combining equal or better fuel economy, safety and convenience with a more rugged edge,” Bell said.

The study showed that fathers first and foremost want a safe, fuel-efficient vehicle. More than half of all dads chose safety as top vehicle feature, followed by fuel economy. Interesting to note that dads cited high fuel prices and traffic jams as the top two most stressful things about travel.

Vehicle versatility is also key as dads surveyed use their current vehicles for everything from holiday travel (94 percent) to work commutes (63 percent) to household do-it-yourself projects (54 percent). Accordingly, passenger capacity was important to nearly 40 percent of fathers, along with functionality, ample cargo space and comfort.

“The survey illustrates a growing trend that crossovers – like the Chevrolet Traverse – are more popular than minivans among dads in America,” said Mark Clawson, Traverse marketing manager. “The Traverse has gone a long way in redefining vehicular versatility and efficiency for the modern driver – even farther than the minivan did 30 years ago. The Traverse borrows the best across all segments, uniting the features the study showed as most important to fathers like me.”

The Traverse continues to be one of the more popular large crossovers thanks to its balance of efficiency, spaciousness and safety. It has the best fuel economy of any eight-passenger utility vehicle, due to its 3.6L V-6 engine with direct-injection technology and variable valve timing that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

The Traverse also offers the most storage capacity of any vehicle in its segment. Spaciousness comes from seating for up to eight with up to 116.4 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. It is also recognized as a safe vehicle, earning a 5-Star Overall Safety rating in the New Car Assessment Program run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traverse is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick.

For 2012, Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT trim levels: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The starting price is $30,240 including $810 destination but not including taxes and title.

Experience the Chevy Traverse here!

Friday, September 2, 2011

GM: Chevrolet Cruze Remains Best Selling Compact Car in U.S.


DETROIT – For the fourth month in a row, the Chevrolet Cruze is the best-selling compact car in the United States, recording a total of 21,807 sales in August. It is also the fifth-consecutive month of Cruze sales exceeding 20,000 units.

Calendar year to date, Chevrolet has sold a total of 169,427 Cruzes. Due to sustained customer demand, Chevrolet dealers have about a 30-day supply of Cruze sedans, roughly half the industry average.

“The Cruze has been a great success story for Chevrolet,” said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. “In less than a year, the Cruze has become one of the most-popular cars on the market, and it is successfully bringing new customers to Chevrolet showrooms.”

The Cruze contributed to Chevrolet’s overall growth in August, when the brand sold a total of 152,779 vehicles, an increase of 16 percent over the same month a year ago. Much of that growth has been fueled by car sales, which increased 22 percent over last August.

The brand’s car sales are expected to continue gaining momentum, as the all-new Sonic subcompact and 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car with extended range start arriving at dealerships this month.

The Cruze Eco manual delivers an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, making it the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered car in the United States, excluding hybrids and diesels. To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, reducing weight and powertrain enhancements

For example, the Cruze Eco was the first in the compact-car segment to offer an active air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Engineers also made more than 42 changes to reduce weight on the Cruze Eco, such as light-weight 17-inch wheels and tires save 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg) per vehicle.

The Cruze Eco features a standard Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine that delivers the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine, as well as the power of a larger engine when needed. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo delivers 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm.

SEE THE ALL NEW CHEVY CRUZE HERE!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Happy Birthday Chevrolet

Happy 100th Birthday, Chevy Family!

The brand was founded in Detroit, in November 1911, by racer Louis Chevrolet and General Motors founder William C. “Billy” Durant, who developed cars that quickly earned reputations for performance, durability and value. Those traits remain at the core of Chevrolet, which is the world’s fourth-largest automotive brand.

From the very start, Chevrolet brought technology and features typically reserved for more expensive cars to its lineup of affordable cars and trucks. The first Chevrolet — the Series C Classic Six — offered an electric starter and electric headlamps at a time when both were rarities among even luxury cars. In the decades that followed, innovations such as safety glass, fuel injection, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems were used on Chevrolet models at the same time as more expensive vehicles. As one of the largest-selling brands in the industry, Chevrolet’s early adoption of landmark technologies fundamentally changed the way they were applied to new vehicles.

Read more here.

www.WaltMassey.com

Monday, May 9, 2011

GM Mark of Excellence Program Winner!


An open letter congratulating Walt Massey Automotive for our achievement in the GM Mark of Excellence program. Our team won for all three divisions: Chevrolet, GMC and Buick. Thanks to our entire staff for their efforts!

March 31, 2011

James Massey
WALT MASSEY AUTOMOTIVE INC
11241 OLD 63 SOUTH
LUCEDALE, MS 39452

Dear James,
I wanted to recognize and thank you for your performance in the 2010 Mark of
Excellence program. You placed among some of the highest performing Dealers in the
country last year. This means you met or exceeded your 2010 Divisional sales, CSI, RSI
and EBE objectives. And in a down market, that was quite an accomplishment.
As you know, I have a term for this kind of performance. I call it "Doing the Basics
Brilliantly". And if we can get this kind of dedication and excellence across our entire
Dealer network, I'm confident we will return to sales leadership and our role as America's
Brand, But it will require Dealers such as you to help lead the effort.
To showcase your accomplishment, you will receive the distinctive Dealer Recognition
Reward Plaque and a personalized set of 500 GM Mark of Excellence business cards.
In a highly competitive marketplace, your professionalism and excellence are truly
valued. Thanks again for all you do for Chevrolet. And I wish you continued success in
2011.
Congratulations!

Sincerely,
Alan Batey
Vice President
Chevrolet Sales and Service

www.waltmassey.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Protect Your Auto Investment

Modern vehicles are wonders of engineering. In the past ten years, maintenance intervals for things like spark plugs, emission and cooling systems have been stretched out to 100,000 miles. But the need for periodic maintenance hasn't changed. In fact, given the longer life expectancy of the typical vehicle today, the need for periodic maintenance has never been greater if you expect to get the most from what has become the second biggest investment most individuals will ever make.

To protect your automotive investment, and to get the maximum reliability and safety from the vehicle you depend upon daily, you need to establish and follow a maintenance plan. The best place to start a maintenance program is by reading your owner's manual. In it you will find the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This is based on "normal" driving, but very few of us drive "normally." The roads are typically dusty and strewn with potholes and speed bumps. The manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is the starting point for your vehicle maintenance plan, not the end of it. Here are some general recommendations, which apply to all types of cars and trucks.

Lube It For Life
The engine is the heart of your vehicle and probably the most costly to repair when something goes wrong. Modern electronic controls have eliminated a lot of adjustments, and what we used to call a tune-up has evolved into something akin to a complete physical, where most of the work involved is designed to verify proper operation of computer control systems. While it's true that new cars and trucks run cleaner than ever before, the engine and all its related control systems must be kept operating exactly as designed to prevent increased engine emissions and a host of driveability problems. The one thing you can do that will add many miles to your engine is regular oil and filter changes. Most auto manufacturers recommend oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles or six months, under "normal" conditions, but many believe a better interval is 3,000 miles or three months. By changing the oil regularly, the inside of your engine will stay clean and you'll avoid damaging sludge build up.

Keeping Your Cool
Today's cars also run hotter than they used to. With the trend to downsize vehicle components to save space and weight, cooling system components are being asked to do more than their older counterparts. The best thing you can do to maintain the cooling system at peak efficiency during the life of your car is to replace the coolant according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Although some of the newer coolants last longer, anti-freeze does wear out. By replacing the coolant periodically, you insure that the corrosion inhibitors are fresh and are helping to eliminate the scale and corrosion that builds up inside the cooling system.

Fluid Facts
Probably the most ignored fluid in the car, and the most important, is the brake fluid. Brake fluid is not a petroleum-based product, so it does absorb moisture from the air, which diminishes its effectiveness and lowers braking performance. Sludge will also build up over a period of time and may block the valves inside anti-lock brake (ABS) units and result in costly repairs or replacement. In addition, this sludge may cause calipers and wheel cylinders to leak, also resulting in repairs or replacement. So the best thing to do is to have the brake fluid flushed and refilled periodically, although manufacturer recommendations vary as to how often. A good rule of thumb is to have the brake fluid changed and the system flushed every 36 months or 75,000 miles. The transmission fluid also needs to be changed on a regular basis to help keep the transmission in tip-top shape. Here again, some manufacturers have increased maintenance intervals to 100,000 miles for transmission fluid changes, but they still need periodic maintenance. Most transmission failures can be directly traced to lack of maintenance. When planning your maintenance schedule, consider that even one transmission replacement will probably greatly exceed the cost of all the fluid and filter changes for the entire life of the car. Power steering is another fluid that is often ignored. It is recommended that it be flushed and refilled at least as often as you replace the brake fluid.

Replacing the differential fluid is something that is most often overlooked. A regular fluid change will help the differential last the life of the vehicle. If your vehicle is four- or all-wheeldrive, change the transfer case fluid as well.

Get Out The Grit
Filters are an important part of regular maintenance. Air and fuel filters keep dirt and abrasive grit out of the engine. Problems arise when these filters get dirty and start to clog up. Many driveability problems, such as hesitation and rough idle, can stem from dirty air and fuel filters. For maximum effectiveness, they should be replaced about every 15,000 miles, but driving in dusty conditions can require more frequent air filter changes. A filter that is very rarely replaced, but should be, is the carbon canister filter. It is an important part of the emission control system and filters the incoming air that this system uses. The canister is such an integral part of today's engine management system that a clogged canister filter can also result in driveability or emissions problems.

Some cars still have a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter, also called a breather element. This filters the air for the PCV system to ensure clean air enters the engine crankcase. Most cars today draw air for the PCV system from the air cleaner housing so this filter is not needed, but if your engine has one, replace it at 15,000 mile intervals as well. Speaking of the PCV system, the PCV valve (if equipped) should be replaced on a regular basis, too. When you put the new PCV filter in, replace the PCV valve as well. Many cars now use a metered orifice instead of a PCV valve and this should be checked periodically for free flow.

Today's Tune-Up
Ignition systems have become much more reliable over the years. Many engines don't even have distributors anymore. They use a DIS or Direct Ignition System. These systems can either mount one ignition coil on each spark plug, or share one coil for two plugs, thus eliminating the need of a distributor. On engines that still use a distributor, it is a good idea to replace the distributor cap, distributor rotor and ignition wires according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The spark plugs need to be replaced on a regular basis as well. Even though some manufacturers have extended those intervals to 100,000 miles, this doesn't apply to all engines. The best plug to use is the one the manufacturer recommends. This information can usually be found on an engine decal located under the hood.

Belt Basics
Perhaps the most critical engine component these days is the timing belt. Not all engines use a timing belt, but on those that do, it's critical that it be replaced before it breaks. At some point the belt breaks and, if your car has an interference engine where the valves and pistons occupy the same place in the combustion chamber at different times, serious engine damage can occur. If your car has a non-interference engine, the worst that will happen is you get stranded somewhere. Most manufacturers suggest replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles. Other engine drive belts should be checked on a regular basis (about as often as you change oil). In general, you should be on the lookout for excessively cracked, glazed or frayed belts. Many accessories including the alternator, power steering pump and coolant pump are operated by drive belts. If these belts break or slip, the components they drive will fail to work, and that can leave you stranded. One more thing to check while you're looking at the belts is the battery. Virtually all batteries are maintenance-free these days, except for a periodic terminal cleaning and inspection for cracks or leaks. Also, make sure the battery is mounted securely.

Tire Tips
Tires are one of the most important maintenance items under your car. The best way to get the most out of your tires is by having them rotated and balanced on a regular basis, about every 7,500 miles. This will ensure that they wear evenly and last as long as possible. Balancing is important to eliminate vibration at road speeds and because a properly balanced tire reduces the stress and strain on shocks, struts, and steering parts. Keeping the tire pressures set to specification will also go a long way in extending tire life and fuel economy.

Last Word
Finally, you should get in the habit of replacing your wiper blades once a year. Wiper refills are the most inexpensive safety feature on your vehicle. And if you doubt having good wipers is a safety feature, try driving with bad ones in a downpour at night. If you live in an area that suffers cold and snowy winters, you may want to change to winter blades in the fall and go back to regular blades in the spring. Following a maintenance program is the best insurance you have against unexpected breakdowns. It can also pay dividends by allowing you to get the most out of your transportation investment. With a little forethought and TLC, that family chariot can reliably deliver a couple of hundred thousand miles of service.

Customers and Car Care

Survey Says...
Unlucky Seven

Services Most Neglected by Customers

Oil, Filter, Lube 35%
Transmission 19%
Tires 14%
Cooling System 13%
Brakes 10%
Belts 5%
Tune-Up 4%

For more information on how you can protect your new vehicle: www.WaltMassey.com
courtesy www.ase.com

Monday, March 14, 2011

Walt Massey Automotive Steps up to the Plate for George County Eastern Youth Baseball


Walt Massey Automotive to provide George County Eastern Youth Baseball with new equipment, monetary donation, instructional clinics; Additional funds via Chevy Vehicle Giveaway

Walt Massey Automotive is supporting the Lucedale community through a partnership with George County Eastern Youth Baseball . The dealership will provide baseball equipment, instructional clinics, a monetary donation, and an opportunity to raise an additional $10,000 in funds through a Chevy vehicle giveaway-fundraiser. The effort by Walt Massey Automotive is part of the Chevy Youth Baseball initiative being rolled out across the nation from March through July 2011.

“Baseball is a great American past-time and Chevrolet is proud to have a longstanding history with this tradition on a national level. Walt Massey Automotive is bringing that level of commitment for youth baseball to the Lucedale community, where our customers and their families live,” said Walt Massey , owner of Walt Massey Automotive . “Our youth baseball program in Lucedale is truly cherished and we are happy and excited to support the kids in a significant way.”

Walt Massey Automotive will present the George County Eastern Youth Baseball with equipment kits complete with equipment bags, baseball buckets, dugout managers, and Chevy Youth Baseball t-shirts. The sponsorship includes clinics with experienced instructors from former MLB/MiLB players and coaches or the Ripken Baseball professional staff.

In addition, a one-time monetary donation check will be presented by Walt Massey Automotive to George County Eastern Youth Baseball . The team also will have an opportunity to raise additional funds for their use as part of a Chevy Youth Baseball Fundraiser. Sponsored leagues across the country will each receive 2,000 fundraiser entry tickets to distribute for a suggested donation, and the league will keep 100 percent of proceeds raised. At the end of the fundraiser, there will be five winners of a Chevy Equinox or Chevy Cruze vehicle of choice (up to $30,000 in value), and in each participating market there will be a secondary prize of a home entertainment center valued at $1,000.

Chevrolet is recognized on the national level as the “Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball.” “Chevrolet vehicles are made for families and we hope the kids or their parents will consider a Chevrolet as an official vehicle of their household,” said Massey .

Chevrolet has expanded its support of MLB to the youth baseball players in communities across the country through the Chevy Youth Baseball program. The Chevy Youth Baseball program began in Atlanta in 2006. In 2010, more than 980 Chevrolet dealers participated in Chevy Youth Baseball and helped raise more than $3 million for youth baseball programs across the USA. Now going into its sixth year, more than $10 million has been contributed to youth baseball in the communities where Chevrolet’s customers live, work, and play. Currently, 1,423 Chevrolet dealers are participating in this national program.



For more information about Chevy Youth Baseball, please visit www.youthsportswired.com .

www.WaltMassey.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Red Cross "Beads For Blood" Drive


We had a good turnout for the Walt Massey Automotive/American Red Cross "Beads For Blood" Mardi Gras Blood Drive Wednesday, March 2nd in Lucedale. Giveaways, prizes, refreshments, Mardi Gras Beads and Moonpies awaited donors after they helped with this effort. As always, we appreciate everyone who helped with this event, including all the Red Cross volunteers who give their time. We look forward to another event in the future and be sure to like us on Facebook to keep up with Walt Massey Automotive.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Begins Regular Production at Oshawa Assembly Plant


Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrate Camaro milestone at Oshawa
  • Hendrick purchased first Camaro Convertible available for public sale

Oshawa, Ontario– Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. today visited Oshawa Assembly Plant to mark the start of regular production for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, which will arrive at U.S. dealerships beginning in February.

Hendrick, a Camaro enthusiast who purchased the first 2010 Camaro coupe offered for sale, has now also purchased the first Camaro Convertible available to the public. In both cases, Rick Hendrick acquired the purchase rights through Barrett-Jackson auctions, with all proceeds benefitting charitable causes.

“I grew up loving the Chevrolet brand, and I’ve never raced anything else,” Hendrick said. “As a Chevy enthusiast, it’s been exciting to see the Camaro return as such a world-class, high-performance car. The folks in Oshawa make some of the best products on the road, so the opportunity to meet them and thank them for what they do is a real privilege.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a driver for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, was also present at the celebration and added, “Chevrolet has been a great partner on and off the track, and I’m very happy to be here on this special day. While I still enjoy my 1972 Camaro, I can’t wait to take home one of these awesome new convertibles.”

The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible starts at $30,000, including destination, equipped with a 3.6L V-6 delivering 312 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The Camaro Convertible SS starts at $37,500, including destination, equipped with a 6.2L V-8 delivering 426 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.

www.WaltMassey.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thank You Roman Harper!


As a defensive back, three hands could come in handy. On Tuesday, New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper could have used another hand after signing autographs for nearly three hours at Walt Massey Automotive in Lucedale. Hundreds braved pouring rain to get a signature and a handshake, or hug, from a Super Bowl champion, and they weren't disappointed. Roman smiled, posed and wrote his way into a lot of hearts as a great representative of the NFL. The event raised money for his charity, Harper's Hope 41, as well as the American Red Cross. Thanks go out to Roman and everyone who helped make this a great day. Best of luck to Roman Harper and his future in the league, as he definitely left a big impact on kids, and adults alike, in this small town.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Great Finish To A Great Year!


The year ended in style for Walt Massey Automotive as the staff was privileged to help WKRG, the Salvation Army and the Great Toy Drive. Massey representatives Brandon Walker, Kim Loftin and Tom Wilder shopped with WKRG anchors Mel Showers and RoseAnn Haven at Target (Bel Air) to donate gifts to needy children in the area. We had a great time and appreciate all the help given to this effort, as well as all our customers and supporters throughout the year. We had a fantastic 2010 at the dealership and with community projects and we very much look forward to a great 2011!

www.WaltMassey.com