Team Auto Group's Best-Selling Cars of 2011 Are....

 Drum roll, please.... Introducing the four top-selling cars at Team Auto Group of Salisbury for 2011: Chevrolet Cruze, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Silverado and Chevrolet Equinox!

It should come as no surprise that the Chevrolet Cruze was a top-selling car in Salisbury, because it happens to currently be the top-selling car in the United States! You can get a new one for under $20,000, which comes with 10 standard airbags, is turbo-charged and the Cruze Eco gets up to 42 mpg on the highway! 

The Chevy Malibu was also another popular choice in 2011, which might have something to do with being Consumer Digest's "Best Buy" for the third year in a row. A mid-sized sedan that gets 33 mpg on the highway, and starts at $21,000... who wouldn't pass it up?

 

Trucks continue to be a huge need here in Salisbury, and the Chevy Silverado became one of Team Auto Group's best-sellers for 2011. The Silverado, that comes standard with 20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, 300 horsepower and 300 lb - foot torque, is great for hauling things around.

Last but definitely not least, the Chevrolet Equinox was also among the top four vehicles sold in 2011. The Equinox, a crossover SUV, gets the best gas mileage in its class topping out at 32 mpg on the highway. There are also 18 storage areas around the car for laptops, kid's toys, and more, and also comes with a forward collision alert, meaning, if you're coming up to someone at a light or someone in front of you on the road, and the car senses you may be getting too close, it will alert you. 

So, that's it.. the Top Four for 2011. I wonder what 2012 will bring???? 

Everyone here at Team Auto Group wishes you a great start to 2012!

Mary Kay keeps Salisbury woman behind the wheel of GM

Melissa Waller worked at Food Lion's corporate office in Salisbury for 15 years, and during her fifteenth year, decided to start selling Mary Kay Cosmetics. She was able to quit her corporate job and work full time for Mary Kay, where she has been for the past 16 years. 


A single mother, Waller was "very part time" 16 years ago when she began her journey with Mary Kay, she said, but was able to build her business and is now a Sales Director and on her eighth free car with Mary Kay. 


"It's do-able for anyone, truly," she said. 


Last week Melissa and some of her sales team members stopped by Team Auto Group to pick up her 2011 Chevy Malibu adorned with a big red bow and bouquet of pink balloons - Mary Kay's signature color. 


Melissa gives her sales team a lot of credit for her success.
"It's not just me, it's my leadership with people that creates the amount of money that it takes to earn the cars," she said, noting that about the top 10 percent of the company drives around in Mary Kay cars. 


Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay in 1963, and in 1968 purchased her first pink Cadillac. Mary Kay, Inc. is now a leader is cosmetics, totaling $2.5 billion in wholesale sales. Mary Kay does not test on animals, the first cosmetic company to stop testing in the 1980's. And 39,000 women are sales directors around the world, just like Melissa. 


Congratulations, Melissa! We are so happy for your success in Mary Kay, and hope you enjoy your Chevy Malibu (and the free car washes)! 


Check out the photos and video below highlighting Melissa's pick-up of her eighth Mary Kay car, a 2011 Chevy Malibu.

Video:

Want to win $10,000????

Chevrolet has decided to take its coveted Super Bowl XLVI 30-second commercial space and let consumers decide what will be played for millions across the globe.

Today Chevrolet introduced the Chevrolet Route 66 film contest that allows independent film makers from 32 different countries offer their take on Chevrolet's "Everyday Hero." There are 50 videos total, and anyone can vote and share their favorite. Not only will the director behind the video win cash and have their commercial aired during the Super Bowl, the person who shared the video the most will win $10,000. You also have to submit a small but inspiring essay to start sharing videos. Top prize is $10,000, second is $3,500 and third is $1,500. 

My two favorites are "School's Out," and "Miss Van Der Volt." 

"School's Out" features a teacher (who happens to drive a Camaro SS) and instead of the kids running out the door when the dismissal bell rings, they all follow their teacher out to his car, and one kid says, "I want to be a teacher when I grow up," which is followed by the narrator saying, "From today's role models to tomorrow's brightest minds... Chevy Runs Deep."

"Miss Van Der Volt" features a woman who turns the ignition of a neighbor's Chevy Volt and turns into a superhero, helping a man propose to his future wife, and helping fetch a stuffed animal out of a tree for a little girl. "For the everyday hero in you, the Chevy Volt. From fantasy to reality, Chevy Runs Deep."

Visit the website - http://chevroletroute66.msn.com/ - to view and vote on your own. And for a chance to win cash! It's pretty easy... just share through your Facebook account!

'Tis the Season!

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the dealership... cars were flying off the lot! We had a lot of folks come in last week and purchase a few cars before the holiday. Check out some of their videos. Everyone here at Team Auto Group of Salisbury hopes you and your family had a wonderful holiday!

Team Auto Group of Salisbury collects gifts for Toys for Tots

Team Auto Group of Salisbury collected toys at its annual holiday party Friday, and children across Rowan County will enjoy seeing them under the tree Christmas morning thanks to Rowan County's Toys for Tots program.

Arbe Arbelaez, Toys for Tots coordinator of Rowan County, stopped by our dealership a few weeks ago to talk about the importance of Toys for Tots.

And here's what we collected from our employees...

Arbe and his wife, Ann, work tirelessly for months on filling orders and coordinating fundraisers for Toys for Tots. Everyone here at Team Auto Group thanks them for their hard work and allowing the dealership to be a drop-off location for toys.

Only three more days until Santa begins his journey to the USA!

Everyone here at Team Auto Group of Salisbury is counting down the days until Christmas... only 4 full days are left, which means Santa has only three more days to get all of the presents ready for the children all over the world. 

So if Santa is so busy, how did he take time off to visit Team Auto Group and take a spin in a Chevrolet Corvette? We're kidding. This picture was taken sometime in July.

 NORAD - the North American Aerospace Defense Command - was formed in 1958 between the United States and Canada, and is not only responsible for missile defense between the two countries, but also tracks Santa's trip across Canada and the United States Christmas Eve. 

This year you can track Santa on Google Earth, or through NORAD's Track Santa app on your smartphone or tablet. NORAD also gives the official report to televisions across North America. 

AND, if you have OnStar, beginning at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, you can press the blue button, ask for a Santa Update, and OnStar advisors will give you updates through 5 a.m. According to General Motors, NORAD uses its North Warning Radar System, geo-synchronous satellites with infrared sensors and other technologies to monitor Santa’s Christmas Eve travels and share the information with children and families around the world.

Visit www.norad.org to track Santa, or visit the Kids' Countdown Village to play games and explore the North Pole. 

Everyone here at Team Auto Group wishes everyone a happy holiday and safe travels for Santa!

Proceeds from sale of Military Tribute Camaro will go to Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans

Chevrolet and Team Auto Group supports all veterans and active military, and we love seeing so many people across the nation supporting the military, too. 

Here's a great article from General Motors about last weekend's Army/Navy game, where a special 2012 Chevy Camaro was showcased. The Camaro, professionally painted by renowned artist Mickey Harris, and supporting all branches of the U.S. armed forces, will be sold in January and all proceeds will go to the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans! Awesome!

DETROIT – At last Saturday’s 112^th Army-Navy Game presented by USAA, Chevrolet announced that proceeds from next month’s sale of a special Military Tribute Camaro will go to the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.

Chevrolet hosted several military families and Achilles team members at the game, and is paying tribute to wounded servicemen and women and the team with a 30-second TV spot and a short tribute to members who participated in the recent Detroit Free Press / Talmer Bank Marathon.

“We at Chevrolet want to do all we can to show our gratitude to the men and women serving in our armed forces, those who come home with life-changing injuries, like Cpl. Gaertner, and our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Global Marketing and Strategy.

The Military Tribute Camaro represents all five branches of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard) and some of the military’s highest individual awards and current campaign medals. It will be sold by Barrett-Jackson, an auctioneer of collector vehicles, at its Jan. 17-22 event in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The car was designed by award-winning artist Mickey Harris. Harris, who grew up on military installations, has been airbrushing for 33 years and has an extensive portfolio of military art that has earned him worldwide acclaim.

Chevrolet’s support for military men and women includes:

Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans: The Achilles Freedom Team helps wounded veterans of all services overcome their injuries through mainstream athletics, primarily marathons. It has doubled in size since 2010. This year, Chevrolet underwrote a portion of Achilles costs for participating in the Los Angeles, Boston and Detroit marathons, as well as other events. Chevrolet also has donated 20 hand cycles to the team.

Cell Phones for Soldiers: Chevrolet actively supports this program that provides phone cards to service men and women. During Chevrolet Military Appreciation Month in May, Chevrolet raised $212,000 (100,000 hours of talk time) from the auction of the Honor and Valor Limited Edition Camaro SS and Chevrolet donations of $100 for every car and truck sold. Since 2010, Chevrolet has collected more than 70,000 used cell phones, generating about 70,000 hours of talk time.

Travis Manion Foundation: The GM Foundation gave $250,000 to this foundation that assists veterans and the families of fallen heroes. Its namesake is First Lt. Travis L. Manion, killed in 2007 in Iraq by sniper fire while defending against an enemy ambush. Every September 11, the foundation brings local communities together for a 9/11 Heroes Run to remember, honor and support service men and women, police, firefighters and first responders.  

GM Military Discount Program: Considered the most generous military discount program in the industry, GM offers GM Preferred Pricing (the same price extended to GM suppliers) on any Chevrolet (except Volt), Buick or GMC. Through October, GM sold 12,389 vehicles: The Chevy Silverado, Cruze and Camaro were the most popular.

Chevrolet also sponsored 19 air shows across the United States this year, eight of them on military installations. In addition, about 8,500 service members, their families and guests at the Naval Air Station in Mayport, Fla. were treated to a private concert starring country singer Brad Paisley.

So many happy customers at Team Auto Group of Salisbury!

We've had a lot of happy customers here at Team Auto Group lately. 

One couple, the Norris', flew in all the way from Northport, Alabama, to purchase and drive home in a 2007 Corvette. 

Another couple, the Sides', purchased a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD from us, making it their third vehicle from Team Auto Group. They were really excited. 

Jason, from Concord, came to Team Auto Group and purchased a 2012 GMC Terrain. He seemed pretty happy with his new car and service at Team.

The Trahans also recently stopped by and purchased a 2011 Chevy Traverse. They were impressed with salesman Rod Drye. 

And last but not least, the Sprinkle family stopped by to trade in two of their vehicles for a 2008 Town and Country van. The van was their second purchase with Team Auto Group.

Congrats and thank you to all of you! We hope you enjoy your new vehicles!

Feds want to ban use of cell phone while driving... OnStar has a solution for that!

We all know not to text and drive, but what about a quick email or Facebook check? It takes a little less effort when behind the wheel, but it's just as dangerous. Well, the Feds are actually wanting to ban the use of a cell phone when behind the wheel. Period. 

So what does this mean to everyone driving on a daily basis for work, making phone calls to colleagues, clients, family or friends? If the Feds have their way, and the states enforce the ban, you can't do it. But, if you have a Bluetooth you can still talk... and if you have OnStar, you can do just about anything.

Earlier this year OnStar rolled out a new program that allows you to not only talk on the phone through your car, but to send a text message, such as, "I'm driving," or, "I'll call you back soon." You can also have your Facebook updates, texts and emails read to you through OnStar. And it's free with your OnStar subscription.

And, if you have an Android phone or iPhone, you can download an app - myChevrolet -  for your 2011 or 2012 cars that will help in many ways.  You can search the owner's manual for your car, find a parking spot, and even monitor your car --- the phone will send you a notification if any fluids are low, tire pressure, or anything else strange that may be going on with your car. The OnStar app lets you unlock or start your car remotely, but runs around $18 a month. 

Come by Team Auto Group today to test drive a car and get to know more about the OnStar app for your phone and using OnStar to update Facebook, send texts and emails, and communicate through the car. 

Here's some more info directly from OnStar:

  

Research indicates that 42 percent of all drivers have texted while driving (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2009), which has emerged as a major safety concern in recent years. With the OnStar voice communications app, there is no need to look away from the road or take hands off the wheel to get incoming messages or send outgoing messages As more and more drivers pair their Bluetooth phones with their vehicles, OnStar wants to add value to the mobile connection and offer a safer and easy alternative for staying connected while driving.

Full launch is planned for later in the first half of 2011 through the Android Market, after thorough research and testing; cost to be determined.

Key Features:

Incoming SMS text messages and Facebook updates are converted from text to synthetic speech by the app, then sent via Bluetooth to the vehicle's speakers or to the speakers in the OnStar retail product.

Drivers can respond by voice through the in-vehicle or retail product microphone in several ways:
o Select by voice command among a list of defined messages, such as "Yes," "No" and "Driving."
o Speak a custom message, which is transcribed into text; also custom messages can be posted as audio clips in Facebook.
o For text messages, say "Call Back" and the driver's phone will automatically dial the phone number associated with the incoming message.
o For text messages, set an automatic reply to all incoming messages, such as: "I'm on the road until 3 p.m. and can get back to you then."
o For Facebook updates, the driver can say "Like" to like a friend's update.

Three operating modes help drivers learn how the app works:
o Beginner – provides full voice prompts for all features.
o Intermediate – provides fewer and shorter voice prompts.
o Expert – no voice prompts.

Requirements: A mobile phone running Android 2.2 or higher; either a GM vehicle with built-in Bluetooth or a vehicle equipped with the new OnStar retail product. OnStar is considering expanding the app in future to work with other manufacturer's in-vehicle Bluetooth systems, and adapting the app to run on other mobile platforms.

Here are pictures of the OnStar app

Team Auto Group lights up the Kannapolis Christmas Parade

The last parade of the year was electrifying! Literally! Team Auto Group lit up the Kannapolis Christmas Parade Saturday with our float and four cars. The Chevy Volt was the centerpiece of the float being pulled by four reindeer. Steve Auman did an amazing job on the floats this year, with the Kannapolis float being our favorite! 

Here's a video of fun things during the parade...

Here are some pictures from the parade...

 

Team Auto Group of Salisbury teams up with Toys for Tots

'Tis the season of giving, and Team Auto Group has teamed up with the Salisbury Marine Corps League chapter of Toys for Tots. Last year the Salisbury chapter provided 3,200 children with toys on Christmas. This year they're hoping for even more. 


On Saturday Team Auto Group's own Shelley Smith drove a red 2011 Camaro Convertible for Toys for Tots in the Cleveland Christmas Parade. Ms. Marine Corps League Queen Annika Allen, a student at Southeast Middle School, rode on top of the car while Toys for Tots Coordinator Ann Arbelaez threw out beanie babies and stuffed animals to children watching the parade. 

In addition to being fortunate to drive Toys for Tots through the parade, Team Auto Group is collecting toys from employees and customers. We are hoping to collect 100 toys by next Saturday (Dec. 17). Those who donate will be entered to win one of three $20 VISA gift cards. 
New, unwrapped toys are what Toys for Tots needs, and the particularly need toys for preteen girls, and also girls in general. We hope we can meet our goal of 100 toys, and hope you can help! If you donate, please stop by the receptionist desk to fill out a form with your name and phone number. We will draw the gift card winners Monday Dec. 19. 


Check out this video of Arbe at Team Auto Group talking about Toys for Tots:

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

50-inch HDTV with any new or used vehicle purchase from Team Auto Group of Salisbury

Team Auto Group of Salisbury is having a huge sale this week, and is offering a 50-inch LG HDTV with the purchase of any new GM vehicle or used vehicle, starting Thursday and running through Monday. Any car, truck or SUV that we have, new or used, is included in the deal.

Holiday "Red Tag" prices will be posted on each vehicle, and some are discounted up to $10,000 off. With zero percent APR for 72 months for most models and zero down and no payments for 90 days, AND a free 50-inch HDTV, how could you not go ahead and purchase the car you've been eying for a while?

Right now Team Auto Group has more than 100 pre-owned vehicles in stock priced from $3,995. 

Check www.teamautogroup.com to pick out your car, and call 704-314-4733 to schedule an appointment to come check it out in person. 

Pretty photos of Chevy Sonic in Downtown Salisbury, NC

Team Auto Group has participated in each of Downtown Salisbury Incorporated's Friday Nights Out this year, which celebrates downtown businesses and community, and last Friday was Holiday Night Out so we decided to take the five door Chevy Sonic.

Folks really loved the Chevy Sonic. Families crawled inside, got behind the wheel, and one even got in the trunk/hatch of the car to see how roomy it was. Everyone had the same thing to say - "It's a really cute and fun car, cheap, and gets great gas mileage!" Those are the same things everyone here at Team Auto Group think of the Sonic, too!

Not only did we interact with families, we got to see Santa and Mrs. Claus and listen to Christmas carols sung by a quartet of carolers who strolled through the streets of Historic Salisbury. Big thank you to Downtown Salisbury, Inc. for giving us such a great location on the corner of South Main and West Innes.

Here are some more photos and a video of the carolers.