Bob Brown Buick GMC: Experience Buick Lease Event

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2012 GMC Acadia Wins Best Retained Value Award

DETROIT – The 2012 GMC Acadia has the “Best Retained Value” for SUVs between $35,000 and $45,000 according to the consumer automotive research website Edmunds.com.

Retained value is defined as the projected residual value of a vehicle after five years of ownership, expressed as a percentage of the Edmunds “True Market Value” when sold new. Acadia should expect a 5-year-old vehicle to maintain 46 percent of its original cost.

“This accolade from Edmunds verifies what many of our customers already know – that GMC vehicles continue to deliver great value,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick GMC Sales and Service.

Acadia had its best sales year ever in 2011, with sales up 16 percent compared with 2010. Through its life, nearly half of the crossover’s customers have been buyers new to General Motors.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

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Bob Brown: Thanks from the IOFST

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Bob Brown Auto,

Thank you very much for the donation that supported me in the 23rd Annual Bataan Death March.  I had the honor and privilege of meeting four of the Bataan Death March survivors and I was one of over 6,700 people that participated in the march.  The pride of the Iowa Army National Guard this year was first place in Female Military Light category with a time of 7 hours and 51 minutes and third place in the Military Co-ed Light category with a time of 7 hours and 14 minutes.  The attached is a group photo of us at the start of the race.

 This year's event was the largest in its 23-year history and one of the warmest.  I saw countless number of service members and civilians that did not finish due to heat related injuries.  Severe blisters and joint pains were to two other common physical injuries that prevented people from finishing.  I must admit that my knees were screaming for me to stop near mile marker 22.  However, the sight of wounded warriors on the trail with prosthetic limbs motivated me to keep pushing.

 The finish was bitter-sweet as I didn't know if I should smile with the cheering crowd or cry about the muscle and joint pains.  All I remember was how great it felt to rally with my fellow Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers and be able to say, "We did it".

 Thanks again for your generous support!

Michael Tang

MAJ, SF, IA ARNG

IO FST - Team Chief

OnStar Makes 439 Million Connections… and Counting

DETROIT – Originally developed as an airbag deployment notification system on three 1997 Cadillac models, OnStar has evolved to offer unmatched safety and security services. Today OnStar also provides everyday services like Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling and the RemoteLink Mobile App, leading to more than 439 million interactions – and counting.

Over the last 16 years, OnStar has assisted in 191,000 Automatic Crash Response calls. Here are some other numbers contributing to the gaudy statistic:

• More than 94 million Turn-by-Turn routes
• More than 1 million Emergency Services delivered
• 6.9 billion Hands-Free Calling minutes purchased
• More than 581,000 Good Samaritan calls
• More than 213 million Vehicle Diagnostic emails sent
• More than 5.8 million Remote Door Unlocks
• 8.5 million RemoteLink Mobile App requests
• More than 2.9 million Roadside Assistance responses
• 59,000 Stolen Vehicle Assistances

OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the global leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology. With more than 6 million subscribers in the U.S, Canada and China, OnStar is currently available on more than 45 MY 2012 GM models, as well as available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road with OnStar FMV. More information about OnStar can be found at www.onstar.com.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Car Maintenance Tip: Pump up your tires.

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In honor of National Car Care Month, here’s another tip from us to help you save gas: Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage

GMC Introduces New 3.6L V-6 For 2013 Terrain Denali

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Denali, an exclusive sub-brand of GMC, is being made to undergo a significant expansion with the introduction of more style and power to the luxury small SUV. The newly introduced Terrain Denali is testimony of that fact. Armed with a new 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing is more than just a replacement for the old 2.0-liter V-6.

The engine in the 2013 version of the Terrain Denali has output figures of 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, which is much more in comparison to the older version. However, the fuel economy has been designed to be equal to the previous version. The suspension system has been accessorized with new dual-flow dampers, which provides the vehicle a smoother ride and improved handling.

In addition to the V-6, the Terrain is also available in a standard Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 with direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. The 2.4-liter engine version features 18-inch wheels, while the V-6 is fitted with 19-inch wheels. Other significant exterior features include a signature chrome grille, satin chrome accents, body colored front and rear fascias, new headlamp and taillamp designs, and dual chrome finish exhaust outlets.

The Terrain’s interior has been highlighted by soft-touch Jet Black leather, which lines the seats and the door inserts. A soft-touch instrument panel with French stitching marks the attraction at the center. Other visual upgrades in the vehicle include leather-wrapped steering wheel with smoked mahogany wood accents, embossed Denali logos on front seatbacks, smoked mahogany wood trim accents, Denali illuminated front sill plates and eight-way power driver and passenger seat.

The Terrain Denali is also accessorized with a host of technology features. Some of GMC’s leading technologies appear as standard in the Terrain. The feature that requires a mention is a color touch radio with IntelliLink, which features a reconfigurable home screen, intuitive voice commands, Bluetooth smartphone integration, control of streaming internet radio apps such as Pandora and Stitcher, and iPod controls with Gracenote music database technology.

Courtesy of nitrobhan.com

Stop by Bob Brown Buick GMC to test drive this sporty 2011 Buick Enclave today!

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Early Buick Verano Customers Raring for Red

DETROIT – Buick Verano sales continue to trend upward, with nearly 2,500 sold in March, the luxury sedan’s best month yet. Early trends show the Verano is bringing new types of customers to the Buick brand.

Verano owners are:

• Seeing Red. Or at least buying it. One quarter of all Veranos sold have worn the most colorful hue offered, Crystal Red Tintcoat. According to paint supplier PPG, red was only the fifth most-popular color across the industry last year.
• Progressive urbanites. Verano’s top three markets are New York, Philadelphia and Chicago.  Other major metropolitan markets like Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis are among the Top 10.
• New to Buick. Nearly one in two Verano owners are trading in vehicles from brands outside of General Motors.
• Western leather lovers. Almost half of Veranos sold on the West Coast are top-spec 1SL models with soft leather-appointed interiors, a heated steering wheel, and standard Bose audio.
• Saving fuel. Verano’s EPA rating of 32 mpg on the highway beats competitors like the Acura TSX, Infiniti G25, and Lexus IS250. While those competitors recommend the use of premium fuel, Verano uses regular gas.

Karen Schindler of St. Louis became the first Verano owner in early December when she traded in her 2002 Lexus IS300. “I got everything I wanted with this car for a great price. I really love it, and things like the heated steering wheel were a big surprise. And it’s great that it was built here in the U.S.”

The Verano is assembled in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Every 2012 Verano is eligible for Experience Buick, which offers the security and convenience of a 24-month lease that includes routine maintenance, an OnStar Directions and Connections plan and SiriusXM radio, bundled into a single monthly payment.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Strong GMC Sierra and Terrain Sales Drive March Sales Gain

DETROIT – Retail sales of GMC’s lineup of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers increased by 14 percent in March versus the same month last year, led by another strong performance from Sierra HD full-size pickup models. A total sales increase of 46 percent marks the 21^st consecutive month that sales of heavy duty trucks improved year over year. Total GMC sales were up 12 percent.

Retail sales of the brand’s other full-size models, including Sierra light duty pickup, Yukon, and Yukon XL, increased a combined 6 percent. Special “Heritage Edition” models of the three vehicles debuted in New York this week to commemorate 100 years of the GMC name.

“GMC’s pickups are some of the most versatile trucks on the market,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of GMC Sales and Service. “With capable gas and diesel engines, various cab and bed configurations, and the added comfort and luxury of the Denali models, there’s a Sierra for every customer’s individual needs.”

This year’s New York International Auto Show is also home to the public introduction of the 2013 GMC Terrain Denali luxury small SUV, a vehicle that combines the brand’s most fuel-efficient vehicle with its most luxurious trim level. Terrain Denali features satin chrome exterior accents, upscale interior materials, and industry-exclusive technology features.

The new trim, coming later this year, will join a nameplate on the rise. Retail sales of the 2012 Terrain were up 36 percent year over year in March.

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Make sure to schedule your next service with Bob Brown Buick GMC to receive $50 in Bob Brown Rewards Dollars when you spend $250.

Buick Introduces the New 2013 Enclave

NEW YORK – Buick today introduced the new 2013 Enclave, an evolution of the industry’s best-selling three-row luxury crossover. It offers new styling, new safety technologies, in-vehicle connectivity and a more refined driving experience.

LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps complement a more sculpted exterior design. The interior is more contemporary, with ambient lighting and IntelliLink in-vehicle communications with touch-screen control and navigation. The industry’s first front center air bag system and new dual-flow front struts highlight the safety and performance enhancements.

The 2013 Enclave makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show, where it will be on display April 6-15. It goes on sale this fall.

“The 2013 Enclave advances the award-winning design, craftsmanship and technology that reintroduced Buick to a new generation of customers,” said Tony DiSalle, U.S. vice president of Buick Marketing. “We evolved the interior and exterior design, increased luxury amenities and materials, and engineered purposeful technologies that will make the Enclave continue to resonate with luxury crossover owners.”

Enclave saw record sales in 2011, making it more popular than the three-row crossovers from Acura, Audi and Lincoln. More than 58,000 were sold last year – with nearly 50 percent sold to customers switching from non-General Motors vehicles.

The Enclave is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, and powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 and an updated six-speed automatic transmission that contribute to the more refined driving experience. Buick’s QuietTuning engineering process reduces, blocks and absorbs unwanted noise from the Enclave’s cabin, making it quieter than a Lexus RX350.

Sculpted exterior advances Buick’s design language

Enclave’s sculpted styling redefined Buick’s design language upon its introduction more than five years ago. The 2013 model adds new signature cues, including:

• New front fascia with LED daytime running lamps
• New headlamp design, with standard Xenon high-intensity discharge lamps (HID) and LED accent lighting. Articulating headlamps are available
• New hood and black-chrome waterfall grille
• New rear fascia design with integrated exhaust outlets
• New LED taillamps
• New 19-inch and 20-inch aluminum wheel designs
• Monochromatic exterior appearance with chrome accents.

The Enclave’s new appearance is instantly recognizable as a modern Buick and the LED lighting elements enhance its technologically advanced presence. The blue translucent rings around the Xenon HID headlamps are Buick design cues found on other models, adding distinction across the brand’s lineup.

At the rear, the exhaust outlets are framed with a chrome finish within the rear fascia, for an integrated appearance that exemplifies Buick’s attention to detail. New LED taillamps provide a safety benefit by illuminating more quickly than conventional bulbs when the brakes are applied.

Harmonious interior environment

The 2013 Enclave’s interior is defined by luxurious amenities and high-quality materials, with changes that create a more contemporary ambience and support the integration of Buick IntelliLink. Highlights:

• New ice blue LED ambient lighting around the dash highlights Enclave’s flowing lines, emphasizing the cabin’s spaciousness
• Eight-way power front driver and passenger seats with four-way adjustable head restraints emphasize seat comfort
• Details including soft touch materials and live stitching throughout the cabin, as well as true chrome accents
• Four interior color combinations are available with complementing wood tones, including a new Cocoa leather combination
• A new “center stack” with standard IntelliLink LCD display, tri-zone climate system, capacitive touch controls and available navigation system.

“Enclave’s sense of fashion is enhanced with rich saturated tones and the new color combinations, which are driven by Buick customers’ lifestyles,” said Ven Lai, Buick creative designer, color and trim. “The new Cocoa interior color is a great example. It was developed specifically for the Enclave, adding a higher degree of visual warmth that is complemented by the soft feel of the Nuance sandstone leather – a material that has similar characteristics to leathers used in home furnishings. It makes for a comfortable and rewarding place to be for daily commutes or long weekend drives.”

The new center stack was developed for easy, intuitive interaction with the new IntelliLink system, along with redundant controls on the genuine Mahogany-accented steering wheel. The tri-zone climate system’s new controls are designed to be more intuitive, too, with easier, at-a-glance operation, bold digital temperature readouts and larger controls that are easier to operate with gloves.

Enclave offers three rows of seating, available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations. The second-row seats feature the SmartSlide system, which allows easier entry to the third row, with the pull of a single handle. There is 23.3 cubic feet (660 liters) of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 115.2 cubic feet (3,263 liters) of cargo space available when the second and third rows are folded. That’s more than the Mercedes-Benz R Class, Infiniti JX, Acura MDX, Lincoln MKT, Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.

IntelliLink brings wealth of choices

Buick’s IntelliLink system is standard on all models and enhances the driving experience with a higher level of wireless connectivity and customized options – all while building on the safety and security of OnStar.

IntelliLink is intuitive and easy to use and includes the capability of setting up a “home page” for favorites. It integrates online services such as Pandora^® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^™ using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in other Buick models. Additional features:

• High-resolution color display with touch-screen control
• Bluetooth with hands-free (for phone calls) and A2DP audio-streaming protocol support
• Address book download and hands-free calling
• USB port
• Auxiliary audio input port
• Redundant steering wheel controls
• Enhanced voice recognition powered by Nuance
• AM/FM/Audio CD/MP3 CD/ HD Radio
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio and data services
• Selected Smartphone apps can be controlled through the IntelliLink interface via the touch-screen, steering wheel controls or voice commands. The first apps to be supported are Pandora and Stitcher
• Supports playback of MP3 files stored on flash memory drives.

IntelliLink is standard with all Enclaves, including those with the optional navigation system. The IntelliLink screen also serves as the display for the standard rearview camera system. A premium 10-speaker Bose audio system is also available and is optimized for the Enclave’s refined interior acoustics.

Industry-first front center air bag highlights comprehensive safety package

In 2012, every Buick model was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, underscoring the brand’s commitment to safety leadership. The 2013 Enclave builds on that commitment with the industry’s first front center airbag – a standard feature.

The front center air bag, standard on all 2013 Enclave models, was created to help protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger, delivering a more comprehensive occupant restraint system. No other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers this type of protection in the front seat.

Standard safety features also include StabiliTrak, traction control, panic brake assist, rear-vision camera system and seven total air bags – including head-curtain side air bags covering outboard occupants in all three passenger rows. Rounding out this suite of safety features are two systems available for the first time on the 2013 Enclave: side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, which use radar to watch spots the driver may not be able to see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.

Additionally, customer convenience features such as a power liftgate and remote start are standard. The Enclave also comes with six months of complimentary OnStar Directions and Connections service, which includes automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance, emergency services link and remote door unlocking. The myBuick mobile app with OnStar RemoteLink offers connectivity to the Enclave from outside the vehicle, including extended locking and unlocking capability and extended remote start functionality.

A smoother, more controlled driving experience

The Enclave’s engineers improved its carlike driving experience with revised front and rear dampers, for greater smoothness and an enhanced feeling of control. In the front suspension, new dual-flow dampers and rebound springs are used to reduce the jarring feel of bumps, as well as provide a quieter and smoother ride. In the rear, new low-velocity control shocks help reduce road inputs that could be felt inside the passenger compartment.

All models feature independent front and rear suspensions, with variable-effort power-assisted steering; and a direct-acting stabilizer bar on the front MacPherson-strut suspension helps provide a more immediate feeling of responsiveness during turns. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 19- and 20-inch wheels are available.

Revised controls in the next-generation Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission also contribute to Enclave’s smoother feel behind the wheel. They improve the shift feel and overall driveability – and the fuel-saving six-speed design helps the three-row Enclave deliver an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

Courtesy of media.gm.com

Car Maintenance Tip: Protect car paint from the sun

Paint does more than make your vehicle look great. It’s also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. Of course, the best way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down paint and cause it to fade. Some car covers protect your car from more than sun, moisture, bird droppings, and dust — they also have a thin layer of cushioning that will guard against light impact, such as from a tipped bicycle or small falling tree branch.

Courtesy of rd.com