Chevy Unveils First Self-Driving Vehicles

DURAND, Mich., –– This summer, General Motors has begun its campaign to launch the automotive world into the future. GM has manufactured and produced 130 self-driving Chevy Bolt EV vehicles in their Orion Assembly Plant in Michigan. Get an exclusive look into the future as Chevy unveils its first self-driving vehicles to the world! The technology may not be available to the public yet, but according to GM, it will be released to the public sooner rather than later! Read on to learn about these unique benefits the self-driving Chevy Bolt EV carries with it!

The self-driving technology in the Chevy Bolt EV is possible in part thanks to LIDAR, a laser radar technology, which helps the vehicle detect its surroundings to ensure the safety of its driver and passengers. Other technology, like cameras, sensors, and radars, will help the vehicle detect any potential hazards at 360 degrees. While this technology will allow the vehicle to drive on its own, it is considered a Level-4 autonomous vehicle. This means that it's able to drive on its own, but still requires an alert driver to sit behind the vehicle in case of emergencies. Drivers can take control during any situation, but the vehicle is able to adapt to most scenarios, including traffic and freeway driving.

GM has made it their goal to become the first car company to mass-produce autonomous vehicles for the public. Last year, they purchased Cruise Automation, a self-driving car software company for $581 million. Since then, they've hired 1,163 engineers and other employees and have been investing aggressively in Cruise Automation's technology. GM will run Cruise Automation like a Silicon Valley startup company, investing almost $150 million quarterly to ensure that this technology is able to be released to the public sooner rather than later.

Additionally, GM has invested $500 million in the ride-hailing app Lyft, and plans to deploy the self-driving Bolt EV through the company's network in the near future. Before they bring this reality into fruition, however, GM has vowed to perfect their self-driving technology. Earlier in the year, they had already produced 50 self-driving vehicles, and now, with 180 to test and manufacture, time and innovation is on their side. 

While the self-driving Chevy Bolt EV isn't available to the public, the Bolt EV and its award winning features are available to purchase today! Browse our inventory to read up on the Bolt EV and other award-winning Chevrolet vehicles to see what we at Graff Durand have to offer you. Get a glimpse of the future as Chevy unveils its first self-driving vehicles! Before you know it, you'll be piloting your very own autonomous vehicle!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road in Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand wants to revolutionize your car buying experience. We’ll bring all the transparency and customer satisfaction you need while making the buying experience fun! If you have any questions be sure to contact us at (989) 288-2657 or head over to our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com! We are proud to serve Durand and the surrounding communities of Owosso, Flint, Genesee Charter Township, Swartz Creek, and Corunna.


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General Motors Debuts US Car-Sharing Program in NYC

© General Motors

DURAND, Mich. –– A U.S. debut of General Motors’ car-sharing program, "Let's Drive NYC," has been in the talks for a while now, alongside disclosures that the automaker plans to move forward with vehicle connectivity and autonomous vehicle technology.

“Customers want options on how to move from Point A to Point B that provide flexibility and personalization,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “Let’s Drive NYC is just one part of GM’s global urban mobility strategy. We view evolving consumer preferences, such as car-sharing, as real business opportunities, where we can quickly build on our existing capabilities such as OnStar connectivity to very effectively meet customer needs.”

GM’s “Let’s Drive NYC” car-sharing program will make an inaugural appearance in New York City for residents of The Ritz Plaza, a luxury apartment building at Times Square. These affluent residents will have an additional mode of transportation added to their list of options that include New York's subway system, taxis, biking, and walking.

“When GM approached us with their car-sharing program, we were excited to incorporate this innovative service to further enhance our residents’ lifestyle,” said Ofer Yardeni, chairman and CEO of Stonehenge, a leader in community-building events within the Manhattan residential market. “Owning a vehicle in New York City is expensive and inconvenient. GM’s Let’s Drive NYC car-sharing program delivers a valuable and sought-after amenity, and residents of The Ritz Plaza are taking full advantage of it.”

The aforementioned transportation choices are common in America’s large cities, chiefly New York, and for a good reason. Owning and driving a vehicle in a city of millions is expensive and nearly unfeasible due to frequent gridlock and pedestrians. However, the debut of GM’s car-sharing program could turn driving into a practical transportation option.

Sharing vehicles with other drivers is convenient for city dwellers because it allows them to take advantage of that transportation without having to worry about paying for garage space, which can be pricy in large cities where space is limited and valuable.

GM developed a mobile app that residents use to reserve a vehicle and find parking in one of the 200 garages in Manhattan managed by Icon Parking Systems. Right now the fleet consists of eight Chevrolet Trax small SUVs and two Chevrolet Equinox compact SUVs.

Residents are given electronic credits good for three hours of rental per month. When they use up their three hours they pay $10 per hour or $75 for a 24-hour reservation. The car-sharing programs prices might seem steep, but if you consider that residents won’t be driving every day “Let’s Drive NYC” should prove to save them money over time.

In the past, GM has used pilot programs similar to “Let’s Drive NYC,” including a partnership with Google in 2014 when it piloted a commuter ride-sharing service using Chevrolet Spark EVs and a car-sharing program in Toronto for university students. Now the automaker seems confident in its decision to offer this convenience to people living in dense urban places.

A major tenet of GM’s philosophy that we admire at our Chevrolet dealer near Flint, MI, is its careful reasoning. It may seem that GM has been slow to produce ideas concerning new connectivity and autonomous driving technology, or transportation options like car-sharing, but the reality is the automaker is ensuring it plays its cards right for the sake of its customers. You can see the amount of consideration GM has for its drivers simply by taking one of our new Chevy cars or new Chevy trucks for a test-drive. Stop by sometime to see for yourself.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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General Motors Is Developing Car Connectivity and Driverless Technology

DURAND, Mich. –– News of automakers paving forays into vehicle technology that will make you feel like you’re entering a future similar to that of "The Jetsons" has left many drivers wondering when companies like General Motors might make their mark with unique technology.

Recent news informs us that General Motors is developing car connectivity and driverless technology it expects will raise its revenue by $350 million by 2018. It seems the automaker has been careful not to jump in headfirst, taking into consideration the desires of its customers before choosing a direction.

For instance, drivers aren’t interested in performance or sports vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette becoming autonomous, and Chevy has heard them out. It claims cars like these will be the last to be adjusted with futuristic technologies that impede the unique driving experience.

After mastering 4G LTE data connection in its vehicles, GM is developing car connectivity and driverless technology through apps that will make it more knowledgeable about its drivers.  Connectivity apps will help the automaker develop vehicles based around how drivers react to features like automatic braking and hands-free highway driving.

Other convenient services by way of smartphone apps include the ability for drivers to transfer personal preferences from one GM vehicle to another, regardless of nameplate or brand, to tell each vehicle how to function according to their driving style.

In addition to new technology, GM wants to expand its footprint in car sharing. After Chevy recently disclosed it would team up with AutoShare to offer car sharing to university students in Toronto, GM wants to expand that service to other transportation hubs as many of its drivers take interest in more economic and eco-friendly options.

At our Flushing area Chevy dealership, we're looking forward to the outcomes of GM's progress in vehicle technology. Considering its meticulous craftsmanship and careful consideration of direction, we're certain Chevy and other GM brands will lead the future of automotive.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency with our car repair, auto service, and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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Chevrolet Corvette Will Be One of the Last Performance Vehicles to Become Driverless

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DURAND, Mich. – Whether you like it or not, autonomous vehicles are quickly becoming a reality, and automotive executives predict driverless technology will be commonplace within the next 20 years.

It’s to the chagrin of many drivers who would prefer autonomous vehicles hit the road and drive far, far away from civilization. Bitterness fathoms from drivers who relish having control over their vehicles and fear that autonomous vehicle technology will strip them of the driving experience.

Fortunately, performance vehicles are untouchable right now, essentially out of reverence for their outstanding performance and style. These vehicles are manufactured to grant driver's enjoyment and control, which is why the Chevrolet Corvette will be one of the last performance vehicles to become driverless.

The news comes from comments made by Tadge Jeuchter, chief engineer for the Corvette, according to The Detroit News.

“We probably as a group will be the last to adopt autonomous technology,” Juechter said. “The whole purpose of our cars is to enjoy the driving experience, not to check out your email while you’re moving from one place to the other.”

Executives from Ford Motor Co. and Dodge joined Jeuchter to discuss the future of performance cars in the auto industry during “Horsepower Wars,” an annual business breakfast held by WWJ-950 at Duggan’s Irish in Royal Oak, Mich. The executives all agreed that one thing is very clear, despite all of ruckus over driverless cars – We’re living in the pinnacle age for performance vehicles. No wonder Juechter said the Chevrolet Corvette would be one of the last performance vehicles to become driverless.

Regardless of how quickly autonomous vehicle technology can transform the automotive landscape, vehicles will always need routine maintenance – driverless or not. Make sure you get into our Genesee county area used car dealer for regular oil changes and any other auto service your car may need!

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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