GM Works With LG Corp. to Develop 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

© General Motors

DURAND, Mich. –– Early in 2015, news broke that General Motors was developing the first long-range and affordable electric vehicle called the Chevrolet Bolt.

The automaker disclosed interest-piquing information claiming the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV is capable of driving 200 miles on a single electric charge, and has a projected value of $30,000. Now GM is working with LG Corp. to incorporate a number of advanced technologies into the Chevy Bolt, including:

• Electric Drive Motor
• Power Inverter Module (converts DC power to AC for the drive unit)
• On Board Charger
• Electric Climate Control System Compressor
• Battery Cells and Pack
• High Power Distribution Module (manages the flow of high voltage to various components)
• Battery Heater
• Accessory Power Module (maintains low-voltage power delivery to accessories)
• Power Line Communication Module (manages communication between vehicle and a DC charging station)
• Instrument Cluster
• Infotainment System

© General Motors

“Chevrolet needs to be disruptive in order to maintain our leadership position in electrification,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “By taking the best of our in-house engineering prowess established with the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, and combining the experience of the LG Group, we’re able to transform the concept of the industry’s first long range, affordable EV into reality.”

LG Electronics Vehicle Components has invested over $250 million in an engineering and manufacturing facility in Incheon, Korea, to produce the Bolt EV components, according to GM. Meanwhile, production of the 2017 Chevy Bolt will be held at GM’s Orion Township plant in late 2016.

There’s been a great deal of excitement, and even a little criticism over the Bolt name, surrounding GM’s latest innovation with EV technology. But now that GM is working with LG Corp. to develop the 2017 Bolt EV into an even more technologically advanced car than it was imagined to be, we couldn’t possibly anticipate its release more than we do right now. Get ready to see this new Chevy car on the lot at our Chevrolet dealer near Flint, MI, in 2017.

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 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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Boo! 5 Creepy but Appropriate Halloween Decoration Ideas

DURAND, Mich. –– Once upon a time, there was a quiet house with a single, yellow porch light suffusing its lawn in a suburban neighborhood. No kid in their right mind would go near it, especially when it came time for trick-or-treating. Legend has it that the house was haunted! But in reality its owners simply didn’t understand the importance of decorating for Halloween, which kept every kid at bay.

This fall, don’t be the owner of the boring house. Instead, check out these 5 creepy but appropriate Halloween decoration ideas that will make your house the spookiest on the block.

DIY Floating Witch Hat Luminaires

DIY Halloween Window Décor

Jack-o-Lanterns and Painted Pumpkins

Eerie Lawn Graves

DIY Halloween Wreath

You don’t have to dig yourself a grave over Halloween decorations –– like some neighbors –– but there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun and showing the kids around the block you do have some Halloween spirit –– no exorcism-pun intended. Up your spookiness and use these 5 creepy but appropriate Halloween decoration ideas to kill it on the on the scale of how autumn-festive you are. We’re betting you'll jump from a ghostly zero to a freaky 10! And don't forget to stop by our Chevrolet dealer near Flint, MI, for a scary-good deal on new Chevy cars and new Chevy trucks –– we promise none of our vehicles are haunted. 

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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