Higher Gas Prices

Here we go again!. Gas prices are shooting up pretty fast. Is it really going to get to $5.00 per gallon? What is it that "they" do - decide what "they" want the ceiling to be and go for it?  Unfortunately we, John Q Public, are the last ones to know what the real truth is. Will fuel reserves be released to help us out and, will we find other ways to get oil?  It could be like the 1970's when we could not even get fuel. I remember the gas lines, stretched around and down the block. You couldn't even get gas if your license plate was wrong. You had the evens and the odds. If your plate ended in an even number you could get gas on certain days and not on the others. You prayed that you didn't run out of gas on an odd day.

What can be done now to prepare for what may come?

Look at the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

You have to decide what is important to you. Saving money with a more efficient vehicle or paying more to fill up your gas tank. I am sure you have seen all the commercials and information about new vehicles having more Miles Per Gallon ( MPG). Have you thought about what this really means for you? Let me break some of this down for you in numbers. Let us say that your car gets 22 mpg and your fuel tank has a 15 gallon capacity. That means that you can go 330 miles on one tank of gas and at today's prices 15 gallons of gas will cost you $55.50 ( gas prices are at $3.70 today, locally). Now let us say that you purchase a different more fuel efficient vehicle and you get 36 mpg, tank capacity is the same. Now you can go 540 miles on a tank of gas, that is 210 miles more,. That is almost another tank of gas! If you drive 15,000 miles a year ( the national average), that is a savings of about $1000.00 per year, and that is at today's gas prices ($3.70)! What will it be if and when the price hits $5.00 per gallon?



Buick LaCrosse w/eAssist



You would be saving $1326.00 per year. Now if your vehicle's average mpg is lower than 22 mpg, and you move up into a more efficient vehicle, your savings would be even greater.

 Did you know that Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC has more fuel efficient vehicles? Buick makes three models that have better then 30 mpg. The New Verano - 32 mpg, LaCrosse with eAssist - 36 mpg, Regal with eAssist - 36 mpg. GMC has the smaller yet very efficient SUV - the Terrain - 32 mpg.


GMC Terrain

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring

 So while you are calculating your current gas mileage and thinking about getting into a more fuel efficient vehicle, give us a chance to show you how you can save money and time at the gas pumps.

                                                        

Buick's Verano

 The Buick Verano looks like a big sedan, sized down.

At first look, it's the long, arching roofline that helps give the Buick Verano proportions that are closer to those of the smaller LaCrosse than a larger small car. Otherwise, the look is very conservative. The Verano's flanks have clean, flowing sheetmetal, with a subtle accent beltline; and the vertically straked grille, low hood and large, detailed headlamps (with hints of blue) call it out as a Buick.

Chrome has been overused as an accent in recent years, but Buick has (mostly) done it tastefully; we especially liked the light strokes of chrome that angle around the rear corners then angle downward toward the center in back.

Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks  has the 2012 Buick Verano.The Verano's look inside is quite swoopy and radical for a Buick, with beautiful two-tone themes and a high sill line that wraps around from the top of the doors all the way through the far front of the dash top. Door trim carries through the broad arcs of the dash, and matte-metallic trim looks classy, not garish, here. The small windows at the front of the front doors fit in stylistically, and help with visibility, too.

The Buick Verano is a TOP SAFETY PICK by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For more information on the ratings: http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=742

Make/ Model: 2012 Buick Verano

MPG: 21 city/ 32 hwy mpg
Engine: 2.4 Liter Eco-Tech flex-fuel engine - 180 hp. / 170 torque
- 6 speed Auto transmission

Standard:
•Bluetooth / iPod input
•10 Side/ Curtain Airbags
•Electronic Stability Control
•Traction Control

•Panic brake assist

•OnStar and Satellite radio

Options:
•Navigation System
•Heated steering wheel and seats
•7" color screen - IntelliLink system (includes: Nuance voice activation)
•Bose Sounds with 9 speakers, Pandora, and Stitcher

The 2012 Buick Verano is the smallest Buick in the vehicle line-up with the latest in luxury and conveniences. The sculpted, contemporary exterior has chrome headlamp trims with blue circles, a waterfall grill, and chrome accents.
The Verano’s interior presents soft-touch materials, cloth wraps, ambient lighting, leather seats, and cool or warm interior design options. The seats are very comfortable and designed with pressure mapping for maximum comfort on long rides.
Quiet tuning allows for a luxurious ride with minimal road noise inside, eliminating all distractions from the amazing sound system.
The new suspension softens the ride so that steering and ride comfort are balanced.
Precise steering with direct steering wheel feedback, torsion bars, and a watts link translates to a tight-handling car with great road contact.

Nailing down the Verano's competitive set is quite the task.

That's because there really aren't any direct ones now—though we expect there to be more offerings in its class, like the Lincoln MKC and an upcoming smaller Acura sedan, within a year or two.
For now, the somewhat sportier-feeling Acura TSX is a possible sedan to cross-shop, though the Acura isn't up to the Verano's standards of smooth and quiet.
Audi's A3 is a hatchback for now, but it's about the same size and price; for the same money, you definitely get more of everything in the Verano, but there's no all-wheel drive offered in the Buick.
The Infiniti G25 and Lexus IS 250 are two other rivals; both are rear-wheel drive sedans, primarily, with cramped backseats compared to the Verano and less comfort, but they're sportier.

Competes with:  Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX,
Chrysler 200

•Chevrolet Malibu

•KIA Optima

•Ford Fusion

•VW Passat

Conclusion

The 2012 Buick Verano looks conservative and understated, yet classy.

The all-new 2012 Buick Verano is a well-rounded, entry-level, luxury sedan that is worth considering, especially if you're on a budget.   Come see and test drive this smaller, yet luxury model Buick at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks in Elizabeth City, NC

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring.

2012 GMC Terrain

 The GMC Terrain is one of the best selling vehicles on the road today. It has so much to offer besides having a multitude of safety features. The Terrain is a safe and Fun vehicle to drive.
Below are some of the newer features for 2012. 
New For 2012

• Available E85 FlexFuel capability on Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine with federal emissions
• Standard touch screen audio system featuring a seven-inch, high-definition, full-color display to control the AM/FM/XM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability.
• Available GMC IntelliLink (interim availability) allows smartphone integration with the audio system through Bluetooth and USB for hands-free control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls, and streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like PANDORA^® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio^®.
• Available audio system with navigation
• Standard rearview camera now uses audio system display, eliminating inside rearview mirror display
• Lane departure warning and forward collision alert (available only on SLT-2 with V-6)
• 18-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels available on SLE2 and SLT1; standard on SLT2

Terrain’s audio system is upgraded to a seven-inch touch screen with a simplified display for easy operation. The screen layout is similar to that of a smartphone with easily identifiable application buttons. This standard touch screen also allows the standard rear camera image to be displayed on the larger screen for enhanced visibility when backing up.

Terrain is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, in SLE and SLT trim levels. All models include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. Customers may choose a 3.0L V-6 engine – also FlexFuel-capable on engines with federal emissions – that achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway.

Terrain interior – standard and available features

• The introduction of GMC IntelliLink combines with OnStar to bring segment-exclusive infotainment technology to Terrain at a time more and more consumers are buying smart phones. IntelliLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smart phone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving. IntelliLink features:
• Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance^®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smart phones. 
• PANDORA Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio allow users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres. IntelliLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver-directed listening experience. 
• Gracenote^® identifies the music collection on the driver’s USB device, MP3 player or smart phone and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the IntelliLink screen.  
• Upgraded USB connectivity adds the ability to play music files directly from flash memory devices, and gives the customer the ability to update IntelliLink with future feature enhancements.

Chassis and suspension
Terrain is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. These elements create a solid, quiet driving experience.

• Long, 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks that support car-like ride and handling traits. The long wheelbase and wide tracks reduce body roll for a more stable driving experience.
• Strong structure with four-wheel independent suspension system for greater control and driver feedback.
• Rack-mounted electronic power steering on 2.4L-equipped models; hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering on 3.0L V-6-equipped models.

Available all-wheel drive.

• Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control helps keeps the vehicle in its intended path in the event of an emergency maneuver.
• Standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control.

• Family of large wheels, including 17-inch and 18-inch aluminum and chrome-clad aluminum, with available 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels.

Efficient, proven powertrains
Both the standard Ecotec 2.4L engine and available 3.0L V-6 in the GMC Terrain feature fuel-saving direct injection and continuously variable valve timing technology.

• Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct-injected I-4 engine delivers 182 horsepower (136 kW) with segment-best highway fuel economy of 32 mpg (on FWD version) and up to 600 miles of highway-only cruising range per tank. E85 FlexFuel capability is available vehicles with federal emissions. 
• Available 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine is rated at 264 horsepower (197 kW) with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg (FWD version.) On vehicles with federal emissions, the engine can operate on E85 ethanol, regular unleaded fuel or a combination of both. E85 ethanol is made of renewable plant materials and helps reduce both greenhouse gases and petroleum consumption.
• Efficient six-speed automatic transmission with an “Eco” mode on 2.4L-equipped models alters shift points to improve fuel economy.

Safety and crash-avoidance features
The GMC Terrain is equipped with safety features designed to avoid crashes or protect occupants in the event of one.

• Three-point safety belts in all seating positions and six standard air bags including dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags.
• Stardard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and rollover mitigation is designed to improve vehicle stability on most road surfaces, especially during emergency maneuvers.
• Daytime running lamps make the Terrain more visible to other drivers and to pedestrians.
• Standard rear-vision camera helps drivers identify objects behind the vehicle
• A solid structure includes strategic applications of high-strength steel to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
• Standard tire pressure monitoring system.
• Lane departure warning and forward collision alert available only on SLT-2 with V-6.

Want MORE information on the 2012 Terrain: Come to Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC in Elizabeth City, NC. You can test drive one of the Many we have in stock today. We look forward to helping you get into a New GMC Terrain.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy motoring.

Or you can go to: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/terrain/2012.html

	2011 GMC Terrain
	GMC.com | More About GMC Terrain

Buick Achievers Scholarship Program

                 Buick Achievers Scholarship Program - Do you know about this?

If you know of, or are a student with the right field of interest, they or you may be eligible for this great scholarship. Here are some of the guidelines and links to all of the information. If you know of anyone qualified for this program - pass on this information, deadline for this years applicants ends Feburary 29,2012.

 Who is eligible for the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program?

Applicants must:

 Be high school seniors or graduates or be current undergraduate students

 Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university for the entire 2012-13 academic year (excluding proprietary and online schools)

 Plan to major in a specified course of study that focuses on Engineering/Technology or select Design and Business related programs of study. See the list of eligible majors

 Be U.S. citizens and have permanent residence in the United States.

What does the scholarship pay for?  

The scholarships can be used towards the total cost of tuition,fees, books, supplies, required equipment, room and board and other allowable expenses.

Can the scholarship be used at any college?

The scholarship can be used at any four-year accredited college or university in the United States (excluding proprietary and online schools).

ELIGIBILITY

What are the eligible majors?

The scholarships must be used for one of the following eligible majors:

 Automotive Technology  Chemical Engineering  Computer Engineering  Controls Engineering  Electrical Engineering  Energy Engineering  Engineering Technology  Environmental Engineering  Industrial Engineering  Information Technology  Manufacturing Engineering  Materials Engineering  Mechanical Engineering  Plastic/Polymers Engineering  Software Engineering  Graphic Design  Industrial Design  Product Design  Transportation Design  Accounting  Business Administration  Computer Science  Ergonomics  Finance  Industrial Hygiene  International Business   Labor & Industrial Relations  Marketing  Mathematics  Occupational Health & Safety  Production Management  Statistics  Supply Chain/Logistics

Recipients will be awarded one scholarship at either of the two award levels:

                                                     Award Amounts

• 100 National Scholarships of up to $25,000 per year, available for four years, and one additional year for those entering a five-year engineering program. The scholarships can be used toward the total cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, required equipment, room and board and other allowable expenses, less other gift aid known at the time of application (scholarships, grants and other awards that do not have to be paid back).
• 1,000 Buick Achievers Scholarships of $2,000. These awards are not renewable; however, recipients may reapply to the program each year eligibility requirements are met.

The awards for National Achievers are renewable for the given years noted above or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), full-time enrollment and continuing to major in an eligible field of study.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.

More information is available: Buick Achievers Scholarship Program. 

                            What are you waiting for APPLY today.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring.



Car Care Resolutions for the New Year

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment someone makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is usually interpreted as advantageous.

                    Sound familiar?  With that in mind, how about making a commitment to caring for our vehicles. This is a really good resolution! We as individuals will spend a lot of time commuting and traveling in our cars, trucks and SUVs, but how much time do we spend making sure that our vehicles are cared for properly?

                 If we resolve to spend a little time doing routine car care, the less money we will have to spend at the dealership getting the vehicle fixed. Vehicles that are not kept up are usually the first ones at the shop needing major repairs.. Neglecting regular car maintenance and repair ultimately costs more time and money down the road.

To keep it simple:
Maintenance Check Under the Hood

Inspecting fluid levels - find where to check them at and what the level should be ( usually well marked on the stick or container). BE CAREFUL of what products you use when you top off a fluid level. Use only manufacturers recommended products.

Belts and hoses, This is a physical inspection. Belts should look good, with no cracks or fraying on the belts and hoses  -  Do you see leakage under your vehicle, where is it coming from? This is an important sign of problems. Make a habit of looking under your car before you get in - it may save you a lot of trouble, later.

Tire pressure and condition - it has been said before. Check tire pressure on a regular basis - Check them when they are cold, because as they warm up the tire pressure will change.. 

Disadvantages of Underinflation
An underinflated tire can't maintain its shape and becomes flatter than intended while in contact with the road. If a vehicle’s tires are underinflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tire’s tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You would experience a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 6 psi doesn’t seem excessively low, remember, it usually represents about 20% of the tire’s recommended pressure.

Disadvantages of Overinflation

An overinflated tire is stiff and unyielding and the size of its footprint in contact with the road is reduced. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities well, causing them to ride harsher. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide an improvement in steering response and cornering stability up to a point. This is why participants who use street tires in autocrosses, track events and road races run higher than normal inflation pressures. The pressure must be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure cannot be accurately estimated through visual inspection.

Also be sure to get your tires rotated every 6,000 - 8,000 miles or as specified by the vehicle's owner manual.

These are very simple yet very important checks to perform.

Being diligent in regular vehicle maintenance provides for a better performing vehicle with far less unanticipated repairs.

In other words..... If you take care of your car, your car will take care of you.

Good New Years Resolution?  Make a commitment to saving on car repairs and saving money.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring

Buick LaCrosse eAssist has drivers wants and needs.

        Chances are, you've heard of the Buick LaCrosse. Have you heard of the Buick LaCrosse with eAssist? What is an eAssist? It is a mileage boosting, light electrification technology that has been added to the LaCrosse. Buick's eAssist uses an advanced 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. A small electric motor aids acceleration, while energy captured from regenerative braking allows the engine to shut off while the vehicle rest without disrupting driver comfort and entertainment systems.

        Did you get all of that?  In other words to put it simply - the brake system helps generate power which is stored to be used when you are not going forward. The power is then used to keep the car powered. This allows you to save gas guzzling and consumption. So if you are waiting in line at the drive-thru and waiting at the stop light or stuck in an everlasting traffic jam, you are not burning up fuel or heating up your engine. These are good things. But the big question is, are you giving up style or comfort?
The LaCrosse eAssist is  highly efficient and does NOT compromise on the refinement that comes standard with every Buick.

          One customer traded in his Toyota Prius for the LaCrosse eAssist. In mixed City/Highway driving he is averaging 30 mpg. The LaCrosse's EPA-estimated highway mpg is 36, and the EPA -estimated city mpg is 25. He commutes 100 miles a day, 95 percent is highway. He had a list of wants and needs - comfort, space and highway efficiency - and they have all been met with the LaCrosse eAssist.

         For a suggested price $30,835.00 for the base model here at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks, Buick's eAssist is standard on LaCrosse, which also offers more rear legroom than Lexus, Acura, or Infiniti.
         Available features include rear park assist, side blind zone alert, articulating high intensity discharge headlamps, and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
http://www.gm.com/article.content_pages_news_us_en_2011_nov_1109_buick_harmon.html

         Are you intrigued yet? Come and test drive this technological masterpiece. We have several in stock - we have the base model and we have the premium/leather model in stock.  We look forward to helping you get into a new Buick LaCrosse eAssist and start saving without sacrificing on style.

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Reprinted from NCDOT: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/default.html

Winter Weather Driving

If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should use the following precautions:

·  Clear windows and mirrors;

·  Reduce speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles;

·  Maintain a safe following distance behind brine application trucks, and plow and spreader trucks;

·  Bridges and overpasses accumulate ice first. Approach them with extreme caution and do not apply your brakes while on the bridge;

·  If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not apply the brakes as that will cause further loss of control of the car;

·  If you have a cellular phone, take it with you; you can contact the Highway Patrol statewide by calling HP (*47) or call the county emergency center by dialing 911; and

·  Come to a complete stop or yield the right of way when approaching an intersection where traffic lights are out. Treat this scenario as a four-way stop.

How NCDOT prioritizes what roads are to be cleared first:

·         The department gives first priority to clearing interstates and four-lane divided primary routes that are essential to the movement of intrastate and regional traffic. After these roads are clear, priority moves to clearing lower-volume primary roads, high-volume secondary roads, lower-volume secondary roads, then subdivision streets.

How NCDOT works with county and local governments to coordinate road clearing efforts:

·         Many municipalities maintain DOT system streets normally and during winter weather events they will also incorporate state roads into their snow removal plans. County governments do not remove snow on highways.

How NCDOT responds to weather conditions:

·         NCDOT works closely with the National Weather Service and receives forecasts directly from their meteorologists.

·         During a winter storm, county maintenance crews in affected areas are typically on standby around the clock to monitor changing weather conditions and treat roads.

Interesting Facts:

·         Small dump trucks hold 7 tons of salt and larger dump trucks hold 8-9 tons of salt

·         120,000 tons of salt = 1.27 billion salt shakers

·         40,000 tons of salt is enough salt to fill up 5,714 dump trucks and 426 million salt shakers

·         Each dump truck is 19.5 feet long and if you lined them up end to end, the line would extend for 21 miles

For the latest information on road conditions, call 511 or

access the Traveler Information Management System (TIMS).

Most of all, Be Safe Everyone!

Keep a warm jacket, blanket, flares, and a safety kit in your vehicle. Just in case.

Keep it between the lines - and on the road,

Happy Motoring

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