GM enhancing Chevy Volt following investigation

General Motors has decided to enhance the vehicle structure and battery coolant systems in Chevy Volts, a move that will further protect the battery. The enhancements will protect the battery from catching fire days or weeks after a severe crash. 

The following changes (from GM's website) include external and internal battery protection:

• "Strengthen an existing portion of the Volt's vehicle safety structure to further protect the battery pack in a severe side collision
• Add a sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system to monitor coolant levels
• Add a tamper-resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to help prevent potential coolant overfill"

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began its preliminary evaluation on Nov. 25 following a severe-impact lab test on a battery pack that resulted in an electrical fire six days later," GM stated on its website. "The test was conducted to reproduce a coolant leak that occurred in a full-scale vehicle crash test last May that resulted in an electrical fire three weeks later."

Through the first 11 months of 2011, Volt owners drove nearly 20 million miles without an incident similar to the outcome of the tests.

"The Volt has always been safe to drive," Mary Barra said, GM senior vice president of Global Product Development. "Now, we will go the extra mile to ensure our customers' peace of mind in the days and weeks following a severe crash."

Of the enhancements being added, Barra said there are no changes to the Volt battery pack or cell chemistry.

"We have tested the Volt's battery system for more than 285,000 hours, or 25 years, of operation," Barra said. "We're as confident as ever that the cell design is among the safest on the market."

Volt customers will be individually notified when the modifications are available for their vehicles. 

Team Auto Group of Salisbury currently has three Volts... come take one for a test drive!

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.

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.

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. 

Rowan County United Way Finale videos

With a goal of $1.6 million dollars, the people of Rowan County really stepped up and gave a lot this year to the United Way! The Rowan County United Way made its goal... and it's not over yet, there are still campaigns finishing up, and some just beginning!

And, the highlight of the night - one lucky Rowan County man - Edwin Martinez - was chosen out of the 12 finalists to win a new car! Martinez works at Freightliner, and was shocked to hear he had won the car. Martinez was one of the last two standing, along with Rowan Public Library employee Joyce Ervin. Ervin's name was called meaning Martinez won the car. Check out the video below. 

Then, the drawing was held to find out which dealership would be giving the car away - Team Auto Group, Ben Mynatt, Cloninger Ford-Toyota and Gerry Wood. Check out the video of the dealership drawing below.

Too bad Team Auto Group wasn't able to give away a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze!

The finale ended with a special performance - members of the Rowan County United Way committee and employees with various United Way organizations sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on stage. Here's the video.

Congratulations to every finalist, especially to Mr. Martinez. And a huge congrats to the Rowan County United Way and people of Rowan County!

Happy Birthday, Chevrolet!

Team Auto Group has been around for nearly 20 years, but Chevrolet has been around five times longer. Today, November 3rd, marks the 100th birthday for Chevrolet. 

Do you know where Chevrolet came from? Did you know Chevrolet is named for the man who started Chevrolet 100 years ago?

On November 3, 1911, Swiss immigrant Louis Chevrolet and U.S. entrepreneur Billy Durant founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. Today, Chevrolet is one of the best-known automotive brands, not only in the U.S., but around the world. Chevrolet is the number one selling automotive brand in China, and continues to wow people across Europe and Asia. 

 In the beginning, the first car was the Series C Classic Six, and 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. 

Designs have changed so much over the years, but the trust in the Chevrolet brand has remained the same. Team Auto Group has also changed and grown over time. From a small Chevrolet dealership in the 1990's to a Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick dealership, complete with an award-winning service department, collision center and detailing department. We have an excellent internet sales department and friendly sales team. Team Auto Group is keeping the Chevrolet brand alive in Salisbury, North Carolina, and wishes Chevrolet another century of greatness!

For more on Chevrolet's history, visit this website: 100 Years of Chevrolet

And check out some of the Chevrolet ads over the years:

Halloween Scream Contest and Fall Festival

Do you have a great scream that could go up against any Hollywood horror movie starlet? Have you been dying to get back at the police or sheriff's office for an unfair parking ticket? Or are you looking for a family friendly place to spend your Saturday morning and afternoon filled with games for your children? 

Come to Team Auto Group's First-Annual Halloween TEAM Scream Contest and Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

What you will see:

- bounce house

- bounce slide

- bowling

- bean bag toss

- pumpkin ring toss

- cake walk

- go fishing game

- hay candy search

- pumpkin painting

- snakes and spiders from Dan Nicholas Park

- Salisbury Fire Department truck and smoke house

- hot dogs and Cheerwine

- Halloween performance from Steppin' Out Dance Company

- face painting

- petting zoo

We will also have a live radio broadcast from the dealership - 99.7 FM the Fox.

Tickets for most of the games will be $0.25. Painting a pumpkin will cost four tickets and the cake walk two tickets.

Throw a pie in the face of Salisbury Police Chief Rory Collins or Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten for only $1.

Enter the scream contest for only $1. We will have an adult and child category and will crown a Scream King and Queen from each age group. Winners will receive trophies, a free buffet for a year from Cici's Pizza, and will be able to scream live on the radio.

Volunteers are still needed, so if you'd like to volunteer, please call Shelley Smith, 704-216-8000 ext. 197. 

All proceeds will benefit the United Way of Rowan County.

The Chevy Volt is here!!!!

Wow, seeing the Volt online or television is no comparison to sitting behind the wheel. Team Auto Group got the Volt in Wednesday (Oct. 5) and has already gotten a lot of attention around town. Today I found out why. 

I got behind the wheel of the Volt, placed the key in the cup holder, pushed in the green "On" button, and thought I was behind the wheel of a spaceship. A fun and futuristic sound resonated throughout the car as I turned on the engine (with the push of the button), and the dash lit up. Icons swirled around the dash as I turned the car off, too. 

I didn't get the chance to drive it today, but will on Friday or Saturday, and I can't wait. Check back for updates on my driving experience in the Chevrolet Volt!

Congrats, Megan!

Megan stopped by Team Auto Group last week and purchased a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. Her family was supposed to take it camping over the weekend, and we hope they had a lot of fun. The Torrent is perfect for camping or road trips. Welcome to the Team Auto Group family, Megan! We hope you enjoy your new car!

Joe excited about his Buick Lacrosse!

Joe came by Team Auto Group last week and purchased a 2011 Buick LaCrosse, fully loaded, and this isn't his first trip to the dealership. Joe, of Salisbury, traded in his Buick Lucerne for his new ride, and was really happy to drive it off the lot. Congratulations, Joe!

Huge Sale at Team Auto Group

Team Auto Group is at it again. We are having a huge Prior Bank Asset $59 Down Mega-Sale, and it's only for today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 1). All vehicles have been inspected and their titles have been cleared for transfer to prospective new owners. And many are still under warranty.

The following vehicles are available for $9,999 and under: 2006 Chrysler Town and Country, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 2007 Toyota Yaris, 2008 Pontiac G6, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, 1994 BMW 325 convertible, 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, 1999 Mercury Sable, 2004 Dodge Stratus, 1999 Chevrolet Blazer, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, 2001 Chevrolet S-10 extended cab, 2000 Dodge Dakota extended cab, 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 GT, 1998 Ford F-250 XLT, 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, 1997 Honda Accord, and a 2005 Chevy Venture van.

We also have a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS for only $199 a month, a 2011 Cadillac CTS Sedan for only $369 a month, a 2011 Buick Regal for a remarkable $229 per month and a 2012 GMC Terrain for $299 a month.

There are 80 more vehicles to choose from, from a 2011 Chevrolet Impala LTZ to a 2007 Ford Mustang. We also have two Harley-Davidsons - 2007 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and a 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail Duce.

Come by Team Auto Group today, or call 704-216-8000 to make an appointment. If you make an appointment we can go ahead and line you up with a sales person and make sure the car is ready for you when you get here.

Visit our website to check the inventory yourself - http://www.teamautogroup.com/

2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD - $14,800

2007 Chevrolet Eqinox LX $14,501

2010 Chevrolet Impala LS $13,700

Advertising over the years

Since the introduction of the television, advertising has transformed over time - just as much as the vehicles from Chevrolet and GM have. Take a look at these ads from the 1970's to 1990's and see how things changed. Notice the clothing, songs, the target audience, graphics, and demeanor of those in the commercials. Later this week I'll post vehicle specific commercials so you can see the transformation of the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Suburban, and other favorites from Chevrolet and GM.

My favorite is the "Like a Rock" commercial with the man pouring water all over himself, the older couple dancing next to their camper and Chevrolet, and the men on the construction site looking happy to be at work... all because of their Chevrolet. My second favorite is the Buick "Cutting Loose" commercial. I think it'd be great if GM and Chevrolet used these commercials for their new models. It would be a fun tribute to their advertising over the years. Maybe we'll do one here at Team Auto Group one day. 


Enjoy, and look for more later this week!