Former NCAA Lacrosse star Greg Bice tells us about his involvement with Lacrosse the Nations at the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Final Four Weekend in Boston.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Beck & Masten gets another thumbs up!
"The customer service was truly exceptional. Thomas Clark was extremely helpful from point 'A' to point 'Z'. He found the best vehicle to suit my needs and with many thanks to both him and Mr. Jamie Perry I am now the proud owner of a 2012 GMC Sierra." -Bryan
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thanks for the thumbs up Matthew!
Had a great experience in buying a new car. Ariel, Gay and Mark were all very professional and knowledgeable. They were not "pushy' and allowed us to test drive several cars until we found the one we wanted. We plan to buy our next truck from this same dealership, and salesman. Thank you for the great experience. Love my new 2012 Yukon!" - Matthew
Friday, May 25, 2012
High-Mileage Sierra Owners Search for Durability Limits
DETROIT – When a new generation of the GMC Sierra fullsize pickup heads into production, it will have already absorbed hundreds of thousands of miles of hauling, towing, use and abuse testing. It’s the kind of durability exam customers in the real world administer for years and even decades.
Tammie Roeber, Dave Cleveland and Don Impson are three of those customers. Together, their trucks represent more than 2 million miles and two-and-a-half decades of proven GMC engineering.
“I signed the papers on my new Sierra 3500HD one-ton pickup in 2006, hitched up a trailer, and have been on the road since,” said Roeber, who has recorded more than 1.2 million miles on the original Duramax diesel engine and Allison transmission in her GMC. Roeber makes a living transporting horses across the eastern United States. “From 30 below zero in Minnesota to 100 degrees in Miami,” she said.
“I had two Ford pickups prior to owning my GMC, but I was replacing a transmission every year. If that rate continued, I’d be through my sixth transmission with the miles I’ve put on the Sierra.” Most of Roeber’s miles have been driven pulling trailers, including a 48-foot, 16,000-pound trailer holding as many as nine horses. She maintains her truck religiously, sticking to a 15,000-mile oil change schedule. At her pace, that’s just three weeks between service visits.
Among Roeber’s favorite features are the truck’s engine braking capability – she often encounters 6 percent to 7 percent grades that stretch for miles – that’s allowed her four-wheel disc brakes to last longer, as well as the comfortable crew cab. With most of her life lived on the road, the rear seat often doubles as a bed.
Dave Cleveland uses his 2002 Sierra 1500 extended cab to travel from his home near Chicago to trade shows as far away as Florida and Colorado. Between those travels and his daily 60-mile commute, he’s accumulated 420,000 miles over the past decade. The truck shares a driveway with his wife’s 2010 Sierra.
“This truck runs as good today as the day I bought it,” Cleveland said. “The engine and transmission are original. I haven’t even replaced the brake rotors or shocks. Other than a rear pinion gear replacement and regular oil changes, it’s just had one major tune-up at 200,000 miles.”
Don Impson, a semi-retired veterinarian in Arkansas, has stretched his miles out longer than the others. He started accumulating his 520,000 miles – mostly by making farm visits tending to animals in a three-county area around his home – when he bought his GMC pickup new in 1986.
“Everyone down around us owns trucks, but no one ever talks about this sort of mileage on one engine,” Impson said. In addition to the original engine, his manual transmission still has its original clutch. “I bought a red and white two-tone truck off the lot because the colors were done wrong for a local construction company, but it’s actually become somewhat of a calling card. Everyone knows my truck.”
“In 1995, I bought another GMC ¾-ton pickup truck thinking mine may quit on me,” he continued. “Man, how wrong I was. The 1995 truck has mostly sat while my ’86 continues to get the work done. We’re both getting older, but me and the truck may still be hankering to make a cross-country trip and I bet we could make it.”
Customers like these help GMC make advancements in durability by providing real-world test results.
“Customer stories are great to listen to, and they provide useful data for planning new trucks,” said Jim Mikulec, lead development engineer for Sierra Heavy Duty pickups. “We test our vehicles based on where and how our trucks are used to assure consumer demands are met. Vehicle testing takes us high in the mountains, low in the deserts, colder than -50 degrees in Canada and up past 120 degrees in Arizona. These stories show that our diligence is paying off.”
Mikulec’s favorite testing involves driving Sierra 3500HD Duramax diesel trucks up Eisenhower Pass in Colorado with 20,000-pound trailers attached. “With the inclines and altitude, there’s no more demanding place to drive a truck and trailer. It’s a task to stay with traffic all the way to the top, and it has been satisfying seeing publications prove that GMC is the leader in that regard.”
In an August 2011 PickupTrucks.com test, a 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel ascended Eisenhower Pass, the highest point on the U.S. Interstate System, faster than comparable Ford or Ram trucks. It also performed better during the descent with its exhaust brake outperforming its competitors.
“Technology also allows us to get data more quickly than we could in the past,” added Mikulec. “In today’s labs, we can simulate stress tests and various weather changes to help refine frames, suspension components and cooling systems.”
Mikulec’s top tip for truck drivers looking to go the distance? “A truck is like a human body. It needs care, and the best way to ensure it lasts longer is regular preventative maintenance.”
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC is the only manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid trucks with the Yukon, Yukon Denali and the Sierra pickup. The Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks in the market. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
2012 Buick Regal eAssit Review
About 15 years ago when this author began to ride motorcycles, we were inundated with advice from experienced riders on surviving riding out on the street. Advice ranged from watching out for anyone using a cell phone or eating in a car, to avoiding riding behind semi trucks that could shred a tire or block a rider’s view of road debris, etc. And we were cautioned to never follow a Buick, because the old man or blue haired granny driving it would be traveling 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit, have their right turn signal on for miles and then make a left turn with no warning.
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Now with the average age of Buick owners dropping faster than American’s approval ratings for Congress, that’s no longer true. In fact, today it would be more accurate to admonish riders to steer clear of Honda Accords or Toyota Camrys. A younger crowd has discovered that Buicks have a lot to offer as understated luxury cars with excellent technology, much-improved driving characteristics and plenty of value.
A 4-CYLINDER WITH ELECTRIC BOOST
We drove the base Regal when it first came out and we were enamored with the car. Derived from the German Opel Insignia, the Regal feels like a taut German sedan. But alas, the standard 182 hp 2.4-liter motor feels underpowered.
When the turbocharged model arrived, boosting horsepower to 220 ponies and 260 lb-ft of torque, we were smitten. Now the chassis had a worthy engine.
Now we’ve spent a week with the Regal eAssist. The power sits between the base and Turbo models, but the gas mileage increases to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, and still provides enough power to make the Regal an enjoyable car to drive as a commuter, and to challenge some twisty bits of tarmac.
First let’s talk about the eAssist technology. It is designed to improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by adding a compact electric motor and state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, improving fuel economy by about 25 percent, and boosting performance a bit. Power on the base engine remains at 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, though the electric motor can provide as much as 15 hp extra and 79 additional lb-ft of torque. The electric boost comes on under certain conditions like taking off from a stop light or ascending a hill, and it allows the 6-speed transmission to operate more efficiently.
One of first GM vehicles available with eAssist, additional fuel saving features include regenerative braking and a start-stop function, with the power being generated from braking stored in the lithium-ion battery pack and then used to power various accessories like the radio and climate control when the car is in start-stop mode.
COMFORTABLE YET ENGAGING
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The body structure is rigid and solid, which aids in a quiet ride and supports the precise suspension tuning. Body roll in tight corners is limited and nicely controlled, and yet on rough road surfaces, the Regal still provides an excellent and well damped ride quality, aided by a generous 107.8” wheelbase. Steering is light yet precise and offers good feedback while the brakes are strong with good pedal feel. Everything feels solid, taut, and athletic, like a quality European sedan should.
Slipping behind the steering wheel, the driver is greeted by a handsome and comfortable cabin. The front leather covered seats are wide and comfortable with three-position heating for both the seat cushion and seat back. Ideal for cold weather climates, one can fry an egg on setting number three.
Legroom is excellent thanks to seats that can be moved very far back although headroom in the rear might be a bit tight for folks over 6-feet. The cabin is whisper quiet at speed, meaning Buick has worked out the aerodynamics well, including making it slippery underneath the car to attain such good gas mileage.
There are a lot of soft touch materials in all the right places in the Regal, including the tops of the door sills, armrests, console, and dash. The drivers gauge package is easy to see and operate with a large round tach and speedometer and two smaller ones for fuel and an “Eco” gauge to give you instant feedback on your driving habits. It even switches into the “off” mode at stops to let you know the gasoline engine is off. Plus, the information screen between the large gauges offers lots of good info, and is easy to toggle through the system to get the info you want. And the whole dash is nicely lit up at night.
There is ample storage in the door pockets and in the glove box which is lined with a velvety material - a nice touch. The console is a bit small but has a divided compartment for an iPod or phone and has a USB, Aux. port and a power outlet. A second power outlet is located at the lower portion of the center stack.
DARK CABIN, CONFUSING CONTROLS
The interior is not, however, without its flaws. While it is handsomely elegant, even the sunlight shinning through the moonroof can’t stop the cabin from feeling dark. Our test car had the black interior, and except for some brightwork surrounding the gauges and vents, it’s all black. Even the trim on the doors and lower dash are piano black lacquer pieces, and there’s no contrast like there is on the Regal’s beige interior. There is some white double stitching on the door trim, but curiously, it isn’t picked up anywhere else in the car.
Also, the Nav screen is nice and large, but there are a lot of toggle switches and buttons and dials beneath it for all the radio, and mode and phone switches. It makes for a busy look and is more complicated than necessary. Unfortunately, the Regal’s German origins also show up with a round “i-Drive’like” control on the console. So now there are some operations that require one to use the Nav’s touch screen, then go down to the dial, and back up to the screen, and back and forth until you want to scream. It is so typically German to require three separate steps when one easy one would do just fine. Hopefully the first time Buick redesigns the Regal they will let the American engineers handle the interior.
Trunk space is a bit smaller than the other Regal models, because of the batteries located between the rear passenger seat and the trunk. Thankfully, while the whole rear seat can’t fold down, the battery pack only limits have the space, meaning the driver’s side can still drop so you can slide reasonably large objects through.
The Regal that we tested came with a lot of nice features and amenities including 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, and heated outside mirrors, dual zone heating, 8-way power front seats with lumbar support, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with phone and radio controls, remote start, rear park assist, and more, at a base price of $29,515. The e-Assist engine adds $2,000, and a reasonable $1,145 for the Nav system and upgraded radio, and $1,000 for the moonroof, bringing the total to $34,470.
THE VERDICT
The Regal continues to be a surprising mix of luxury and sport that will satisfy those looking for understated elegance, a comfortable ride and an engaging drive. Of course the turbo model offers much more power, but the eAssist adds just enough oomph to the base engine to make the package enjoyable, all while offering the best fuel economy in its class.
And herein lies much of the reason why the Regal eAssist is so appealing. While we don’t want to take anything away from it, there really is no other hybrid available in this category. As a result, if you’re looking for high mpg in this size and type of machine, the only other place left to go is to the conventional mid-size sedan set.
Great feedback for Beck & Masten Buick GMC
"Had a great experience in buying a new car. Ariel, Gay and Mark were all very professional and knowledgeable. They were not "pushy' and allowed us to test drive several cars until we found the one we wanted. We plan to buy our next truck from this same dealership, and salesman. Thank you for the great experience. Love my new 2012 Yukon!" - Matthew
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
2012 Buick Regal
Check out this 2012 Buick Regal, 6-speed Automatic, Electronically Controlled With Od Includes Driver Shift Control. Click HERE for more info or stop by the dealership today!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
GMC Denali - OFF ROAD
Black Gmc Denali on 22 inch rims is making it's way through rough terrain, hill climbs and muddy water.
Beck & Masten gets another thumbs up!
"The third or fourth dealership we visited to view used cars. By far the best, in fact we ended up buying there. There are always salesman tricks, but dirty tricks were non-existent; sneaky tricks minimized... Just as any other place, watch your contracts for add-ons.Thomas "Tank" Clark was a great salesman. Very friendly, told the truth, and seemed to really care about doing a good job for you. A decent guy. Ask for him if you visit this dealership.Chances are I will do business with them again in the future." -amalgam01
Click HERE to Read More Reviews
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
50 great road-trip songs
Here is a list of 50 of our favorite road-trip songs. Make sure to add some of these to your iPods before any summer road trips! Can you think of any we might've forgotten?
50. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers (3:37)
49. Blitzkrieg Bop – The Ramones (2:14)
48. California – Phantom Planet (3:14)
47. Take It Easy – Eagles (3:30)
46. Cruisin’ – Smokey Robinson (4:27)
45. Hotel California – Eagles (6:30)
44. Around the World – Daft Punk (7:07)
43. Running On Empty – Jackson Browne (4:55)
42. The Waiting – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (3:58)
41. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd (4:45)
40. Life In the Fast Lane – Eagles (4:45)
39. Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (4:15)
38. Low Rider – War (3:11)
37. Ramblin’ Man – Allman Brothers (4:58)
36. Panama – Van Halen (3:31)
35. Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra (5:06)
34. Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean (4:44)
33. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves (4:00)
32. Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant (3:44)
31. Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers (3:24)
30. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 – Nat King Cole (3:00)
29. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses (6:46)
28. No Particular Place to Go – Chuck Berry (2:41)
27. Beautiful Day – U2 (4:08)
26. Slow Ride – Foghat (8:14)
25. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (4:11)
24. Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (4:23)
23. Already Gone – Eagles (4:18)
22. Drive My Car – Drive My Car (2:25)
21. Free Ride – Edgar Winter Group (3:17)
20. Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf (4:27)
19. Here I Go Again – Whitesnake (4:36)
18. Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham (3:11)
17. Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles (1:57)
16. Up Around the Bend – Creedence Clearwater Revival (2:41)
15. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones (3:33)
14. Everyday Is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow (4:16)
13. I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar (4:12)
12. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (4:29)
11. Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp (5:08)
10. Roam – The B-52′s (4:57)
9. Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac (3:38)
8. Baba O’Riley – The Who (5:08)
7. Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd (9:09)
6. Highway to Hell – AC/DC (3:28)
5. I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash (3:19)
4. On the Road Again – Willie Nelson (2:32)
3. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf (3:30)
2. I Get Around – The Beach Boys (2:14)
1. Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts (4:37)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Buick Regal GS, competing in the Silver State Classic
Last September, a pair of Buick Regal GS engineers drove the car to a class win in the Silver State Classic Challenge, which allows drivers to compete in various speed-defined classes on closed public roads.
Victory isn’t as simple as getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible; instead, winners must come as close as possible to a theoretically ideal time on the course. In the Regal GS’ 120-mph class, that time was 45 minutes. Driver Bill Rietow and navigator John Townsend came remarkably close in their 2012 Buick Regal GS, completing the run with just a 0.019 second deviation from a perfect 45:00. The pair’s performance earned them both a class win and the award as the “Most Accurate Rookie” team. Now Rietow and Townsend will return to the same course for the Nevada Open Road Challenge, scheduled for May 20. The Open Road Challenge uses the same categories and same rules as the Silver State Classic, but the Regal GS drivers are stepping up to the next level of competition. This time, the team is competing in the 135-mph class, which requires the addition of a rollbar and the use of Nomex suits for driver and navigator. The maximum permissible speed in this class is 165 mph, well beyond the reach of a stock Regal GS. Prior experience on the course has taught the pair what to expect in the Open Road Challenge, but as Townsend points out, “Weather is going to be an interesting factor this time around, with headwinds as high as 20 mph possible.” Rietow, however, is quick to point out the benefits of competition, saying, “Events like these provide safe conditions for us to get away from the test track to gather unique data that will benefit future development of our vehicles.” If racing makes for faster and better handling Buicks in the future, we’re all for it.Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip : Interiors
#1: Refer to the owner's manual before attempting to clean the interior of your vehicle. I've found that many of today's auto components are very sensitive to cleaners. Before you start, test each of the interior materials in small, out-of-the-way locations, where consequences won't be too terrible if it doesn't work out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Do you want to look at the spray pattern from a can of Super Duper Quikkie-Kleen for the rest of the life of your car?
#2: Don't vacuum hard to reach places - instead, blow it out by connecting your vacuum hose to the vacuum outlet. It is most effective to rapidly toggle the power switch on your vacuum between "on" and "off." Here's why. If you blow the debris out at full speed, it's going to fly all over the vehicle. Doing it at a reduced power, however, will move the debris just far enough so you can access it, then easily vacuum it up.
#3: Get a paint brush and a toothbrush. These are the two best tools for accessing hard-to-reach cracks, crevices and corners. The paint brush is great for reaching into deep locations. Vacuum with one hand as you brush those hard-to-reach locations, and you'll quickly clean up tricky spots. Leave both brushes in your glove compartment, so you'll have them when you stop by your local car wash and vacuum emporium.
#4: To thoroughly remove debris from carpets and mats, use a sturdy brush and run a vacuum right behind it. Don't get too aggressive with the brush. Mats and carpets are (sadly) poorly made these days, even on high-end vehicles. You can easily cause fraying or other damage by using too much force.
#5: For gum, wax and other materials use chewing gum remover. It actually freezes the gum, so that it can easily be scraped off. Use a dull paint scraper to remove the gum once it's frozen. If you can't find chewing gum remover, you can also use dry ice. Get the gum cold enough so it will crack when you apply light pressure with the scraper.
Chewing gum remover may not be available at your local automotive parts and accessories store. You may have to purchase it through an auto-detailing company or a janitorial supply company.
#6: Skip the ArmorAll on the interior. I find it actually attracts dust. If you do use it, buff it in with a moist rag.
#7: Be very cautious cleaning the transparent plastic on your vehicle's instrument cluster. A lot of these plastics are extremely soft, and will scratch easily. I use Plexus plastic cleaner.
#8: The dirtiest spots in a car's interior are the locations you touch, meaning the steering wheel, seat belt, the shifting knob and the driver's side door panel. The "V" between your legs, where your Egg McMuffin and coffee winds up, can also be very dirty. Locate these components and plan to spend a few extra minutes cleaning them.
#9: When you're cleaning seat belts, only use a diluted, mild laundry soap. This will protect the integrity of the belt fabric.
#10: Windows should be cleaned inside and out with glass cleaner and paper towels. Then, lightly buff the windows with a 100% cotton towel.
#11: The dashboard and vehicle panels should be wiped with a dampened cloth with water. To remove grime, use an all-purpose cleaner, diluted with water. As always, use the mildest soap possible.
#12: Need to get rid of smells? Vinegar works very well, and it's a whole lot cheaper than commercial products. Start with a 20:1 water-to-vinegar concentration, and scrub thoroughly. If that doesn't work, slowly increase the ratio until you have success.
#13: No matter what you're doing to your car, be gentle. Because of manufacturers' interest in saving a buck, and the desire to increase the EPA fuel economy, a lot of manufacturers are using less durable materials. So, whether you're working on the inside or the outside, be gentle, or you may permanently mar or damage your vehicle.
Great reviews for Beck & Masten!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Excellent Customer Service at Beck & Masten Buick GMC
"Great customer service. The entire staff was very responsive to anything I needed. They have earned my business on future purchases. I will definitely recommend them to others." -Filter Guru
Click HERE to read more reviews
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Behind the Scenes of the 2013 Buick Enclave Design
Key to improving a successful design is in the details
DETROIT – In the design world, improving a successful product can be a bigger challenge than starting with a clean sheet. The Buick Enclave, the industry’s top-selling three-row luxury crossover, also carries the weight of being the originator of the brand’s current design philosophy.
For the new 2013 Enclave, designers evolved the vehicle’s exterior by refining details while preserving the overall identity.
The 2013 Enclave delivers a high level of craftsmanship and comfort. The sculpted exterior design evolves the sophisticated elegance of the segment-leading crossover. The new exterior includes revised front and rear fascias, LED lighting, a new hood and black-chrome waterfall grille, integrated exhaust outlets, new wheel designs, and more monochromatic design elements than the current model.
Working with the nuances of a vehicle that had its best sales in its fifth year of existence fell to lead sculptor Nick Barkley and a design team. In addition to manipulating full-scale clay models, much of Barkley’s creative work is done in the digital space with three-dimensional modeling programs.
“Buicks have been some of the toughest work I’ve done because they are so sculptural,” said Barkley, a General Motors designer for 12 years. “There are so many concave and convex forms. To make an organic, hand-shaped look show through the forms is both difficult and rewarding.”
Asked to name the most-challenging element of the Enclave’s design, Barkley immediately pointed to the traditional waterfall grille that went through countless iterations before a final form emerged that met both the design team’s standards and manufacturing capabilities. The production part remains true to the earliest clay mockups.
Barkley is most proud of what he calls the “check mark” along the bottom of each headlamp and the recessed intersection in the fascia just below. “Designers start with two-dimensional sketches where surfaces aren’t fully imagined. It’s my job, and really my signature, to add surface quality and execute form and intersections in 3D. It’s like completing a puzzle.”
In his free time, Barkley uses his skills in a home studio to create life-size clay and wood sculptures inspired by works of iconic artists like Michelangelo and Bernini.
“My work at home is completely free of constraints and lets me work with my hands more, but I’d like to think my art benefits my work on car design,” he said. “Some cars I see seem to be designed around lines and the surfaces between them feel forced. Inspired by my art, I like to create vehicles that instead have the surfaces influence the lines. The Buick Enclave is a great example of that.”
But Barkley deflects the credit for the Buick’s continued design renaissance. He had lots of help.
“A car designer is like a composer,” he said. “Sculptors like me are the first violins of the design organization. Our job is to play the music.”
Monday, May 7, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Exterior Paint
Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Exterior Car Paint Maintenance
Exterior car paint maintenance is as simple as washing and waxing, but oftentimes, an overlooked part of car care. Maintaining the paint helps to retain value by keeping a car in its best possible condition while also protecting the paint from the environment.
· Thoroughly washing the car is one of the most important aspects of exterior paint maintenance. Dust, mud, and acid rain can scratch and dull the paint surface. Frequent washing with a high quality car wash formulated for automotive use will remove surface contaminants and help maintain the shine.
· Experts recommend using only a microfiber cloth designed for automotive applications to dry a car. Microfiber cloths are specifically designed to trap any residual dust and dirt to reduce scratches on the paint surface.
· Cleaner waxes can be used on older cars to remove swirl marks or oxidation. However, it is usually suggested that this sort of product not be used on newer cars or cars that have recently been repainted.
· Car paint sealant or polish is a product that generally only needs to be applied a few times a year, prior to waxing. It is great for helping to protect the paint surface. However, it does not provide as much gloss as wax.
· Traditional paste or liquid car wax is most often carnauba based and while it will provide an outstanding shine, it must be frequently reapplied in order to maintain protection. Cars that are housed outdoors will need more frequent applications than garaged cars. However, all cars should be waxed regularly.
Most automakers offer their own line of exterior paint maintenance products designed for use on their vehicles, which can take some of the guesswork out of what products to use. Regardless of the products used, it is important that they be applied following the manufacturer’s recommendation. Maintaining car paint will not only keep the car looking great, it will also increase value when it is time to trade in or sell.
Friday, May 4, 2012
May the Fourth Be With You!
Happy Star Wars Day!
Can you come up with the best caption for this picture?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
General Motors VP Selim Bingol on diversity
Selim Bingol, General Motors, Vice President, Global Communications, talks about GM's diversity initiatives as well as the importance of communicating to diverse audiences.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
GM looking at excellent 1st Q
The largest U.S. automaker posted its best net income in more than a decade in the first three months of 2011 — $3.2 billion. But about half came from selling a stake in its former auto parts business.
GM is scheduled to report its earnings before the stock market opens on Thursday.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Industry analysts expect first-quarter net income of around $1.4 billion on strong sales in China and growth in the U.S. They expect earnings of 87 cents per share on revenue of $37.9 billion, according to a survey by FactSet.
GM is expected to get a boost from Asia. Full sales figures for the world won’t be released until Thursday, but GM has said its first-quarter sales in China rose nearly 9 percent.
Pickup sales could also be big. The company cranked up its truck factories in the first quarter to build up inventory. It will need those supplies for when it takes the plants off line in the second quarter. That downtime will allow GM to install new machinery to make revamped 2013 trucks later in the year.
The prospect of increased truck sales prompted Credit Suisse analyst Chris Ceraso to raise his GM earnings forecast by 7 cents to 84 cents per share. Auto companies generally make more money on trucks, which have higher sticker prices.
But those higher earnings would be partially offset by increasing costs and losses in Europe and South America.
There also are signs that GM’s comeback from a 2009 government-funded bankruptcy could be slowing. In the U.S., GM’s most profitable market, sales for the quarter grew just 2.7 percent, even though industry-wide sales rose more than 13 percent. GM’s U.S. market share fell from 19.4 percent last year to 17.5 percent, according to Autodata Corp.
Slow sales can be blamed on Cadillac and Buick. Cadillac sales fell almost 24 percent while Buick was down nearly 17 percent. Chevrolet sales in the U.S. rose 8 percent and GMC sales grew just over 1 percent.
GM has few new products coming early this year, a result of capital spending cuts as the company went through bankruptcy. It expects to have new pickup trucks and a host of other new vehicles for the 2013 model year.
WHY IT MATTERS: GM needed a $49.5 billion government bailout to survive in 2009. In exchange, the government got a stake in the company. Even after selling shares in an initial public offering, the U.S still needs $26.4 billion to recoup its investment. It owns 500 million shares of GM common stock. A higher GM stock price will help the U.S. get more of that money back.
Even though it has downsized, GM is a major employer. It employs 207,000 workers worldwide and 77,000 in the U.S.
LAST YEAR’S QUARTER: GM had a huge quarter. It earned a $3.2 billion profit fueled by growing U.S. and China sales. But about half came from GM selling its stake in Delphi Automotive PLC, GM’s former parts arm that was spun off in 1999. GM made $1.77 per share for the quarter on revenue of $35.9 billion.
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