Driver Safety - Technology - Cadillac

Technology has come a long way in a short amount of time. Remember (some of us) back in the day, watching or reading Sci-Fi movies and  books, where all kinds of crazy electronic gadgets were being used. Star Trek (debuted in 1966) , 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Nineteen Eighty-Four (a novel by George Orwell published in 1949), and even the Jetsons ( an animated sitcom produced by Hanna-Barbera, originally airing in prime-time from 1962–1963). Who would have ever thought that what once was Science Fiction has become reality. It is all simply amazing.
The innovative technology behind Cadillac's newer breed of automobiles is a confirmation that our world as we view it is still being redesigned. Cadillac has been paying attention, and has made great observations as to what has needed to be improved on. What is and what will be required to maintain our safety when we are riding and driving on the roadways.
 “Super Cruise,” Cadillac’s semi-autonomous technology is capable of fully automatic steering, braking and lane-centering under certain driving conditions.
Many of the building block technologies for Super Cruise, (a self-driving car should be available by mid decade) are already available on the all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS and ATS luxury sedans, as part of the available Driver Assist Package. It is the first Cadillac system to use sensor fusion to provide 360 degrees of crash risk detection and enhanced driver assist features, including:

• Rear Automatic Braking
• Full-Speed Range Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Intelligent Brake Assist 
• Forward Collision Alert 
• Safety Alert Seat 
• Automatic Collision Preparation 
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Side Blind Zone Alert 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert 
• Adaptive Forward Lighting 
• Rear Vision Camera With Dynamic Guidelines 
• Head Up Display 

With all of these new technologies in place, there still needs to be some serious road testing, to be sure that all the systems are working properly.  The latest testing ground.....The Brooklyn Bridge.
The Brooklyn Bridge’s intricate metal design and traffic volume allowed General Motors engineers to refine the radar sensors so they can tell the difference between stationary objects like guard rails and bridge structure from vehicle traffic. More than 120,000 vehicles, 4,000 pedestrians and 3,100 bicyclists cross the Brooklyn Bridge every day. Making it an ideal testing ground. "Metal structures can “confuse” some types of radar into detecting a vehicle or obstacle is approaching, causing an unnecessary warning or action from the safety systems,” said Jim Nickolaou.

About 2,000 scenarios were identified to test the sensors and radars, things such as weather, traffic volume, lighting, and radar reflections, all of which can impact radar systems or other sensors in the car. All this information was collected to anticipate a range of real-world conditions, which was needed to refine the development of the Sensor Fusion software, which is the link between driver safety and Cadillac's innovative technology.

Cadillac has been a leader in developing technology since 1902 and continues it's legacy. The future is here!
No, we are not at The Jetsons level yet... but we are getting closer with each passing year.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring.

Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC has been in the business of selling and servicing automobiles for 30 years. We are proud to be apart of this industry and take great pride in putting "Customer Satisfaction" as the number one priority.

What is a QR Code?

“What is this odd looking thing that seems to be showing up everywhere? I’ve seen it on Billboards and in Ads and a whole bunch of other places. What is this?”  

“It’s a QR Code.” 

 “A what?… What does that mean…?”

Let me explain… Q is short for Quick, R is short for Response, Therefore QR Code.

           In today’s society, most people want information immediately, and a QR Code has turned out to be an easy way to achieve that. QR Codes were invented and Trademarked in Japan by Toyota in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process, and have been actively used for over 10 years.

               The reason that we ( John Q Public) had not seen much of them around until recently, is that a QR Code reader, when they were first developed, had a cost of about $4000.00 each. Therefore it was not economically feasible back then to use the QR Codes in the manner that they are used today. With the development of the ISO technology…and smart phones a whole new way of transferring information has opened up.

                 “Unlike the old bar code that was designed to be mechanically scanned by a narrow beam of light, the QR code is detected as a 2-dimensional digital image by a semiconductor image sensor and is then digitally analyzed by a programmed processor. The processor locates the three distinctive squares at the corners of the image, and normalizes image size, orientation, and angle of viewing, with the aid of a smaller square near the fourth corner. The small dots are then converted to binary numbers and validity checked with an error-correcting code.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

                 QR Codes can take you to a website, a phone number, a video, and more. They can be add to any print advertising, flyers, posters, invites, TV ads, cookies, shirts, drink bottles, etc. containing:

• Product information
• Contact information
• A Special Offer 
• Event 
• A coupon
• Twitter, Facebook, MySpace IDs
• A link to a YouTube video
• Ingredient content

                 They are easily configured and easily read. If you have Internet access and a smart phone, you can do it. With Internet access you can search for a QR Code Generator, plug in the information you want and a code is generated. Different Generators offer variables like size of QR Code, Color, etc. With a smart phone you can download a QR Code Reader. There are several on the market for both  iPhone, and Android phones. If you are unsure of which one to use, just ask someone with a smart phone. QR Droid is what I use on my smart phone.

               
               

                   At Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC, we use QR codes to offer Coupons, You Tube Videos, allow easier access to web pages, service specials, and will soon be putting them on our vehicles to allow automotive shoppers and our sales staff quick access to a vehicles information, which can then be stored for future referencing or forwarded (sent) to someone who may be inquiring about said vehicle. 

                   What a great way to get all the information you need with just a simple click and touch of a phone screen!

                     I believe QR Codes will only gain in popularity in the near future, until the next Newer and Greater invention comes along. We are living in a digital world today and there is no escaping it.

Embrace the change? It could be easier than you think, informative, and enjoyable.

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring.

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2013 GMC Sierra Bi-Fuel option

2013 GMC Sierra Bi-Fuel option

Are you looking for the alternative answer for your Gas consumption in the full size pick-up?  There are higher mpg ratings on Cars and SUV's, but have you really noticed any significantly higher mileage ratings for full size trucks or any alternatives?  Truck owners need something more substantial. Here it is.... GMC has the answer. Bi-Fuel trucks. With prices at the pump continuing to creep upward, people are looking for ways to cut fuel costs, and natural gas is emerging as an attractive option. General Motors has just announced pricing for its Sierra HD pickups with the bi-fuel (gasoline and compressed natural gas) option, adding $11,000 to the cost of the base truck.

While that is not a trivial sum, GM notes that fueling up with CNG can save $5000 to $10,000 over a three-year period, depending on driving habits and fuel use. CNG has maintained a significantly lower retail price than either gasoline or diesel. The current average price of CNG is equivalent to $1.89 per gallon of gasoline. There is a case to be made for the flexibility. The pickups, which run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline, have a Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between the two fuel systems. A single light-weight Type 3 tank in the bed maximizes available payload and bed space, offering more usable space than competitors.
A pricing comparison:The Duramax diesel option is $8395 with the mandatory Allison six-speed automatic. Nationwide diesel fuel prices have averaged more than $4 a gallon since last year.

The Sierra 2500 HD offer customers fueling flexibility with a combined CNG and gasoline range of more than 650 miles - the longest range available in the bi-fuel truck market.

The pickups, which provide more options than any on the market, will be available in standard and long-box, two-or-four-wheel drive in the extended cab models, offering customization for specific

needs.

The bi-fuel trucks are covered by GM's standard three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle and five-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and meet all EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements. The trucks are built in Fort Wayne, Ind., and outfitted with the CNG bi-fuel delivery and storage system at a Tier One supplier for final delivery.

Gm has announced that ordering is now available for the Bi-Fuel option. Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC is here to help you with your options. 

http://www.cngnow.com/stations/Pages/information.aspx

"Natural-gas vehicles are an immediate solution to the nation's energy security needs," said the U.S. Department of Energy on its Web site. "Most of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced domestically and by politically stable countries — and an extensive natural-gas infrastructure exits."

 Although the public CNG refueling infrastructure is limited, retail buyers can have a small pump installed at home, while fleet operators often have commercial refueling stations installed on their lots. CNG-powered vehicles boast lower emissions than their gasoline and diesel counterparts, and nearly all of the gas used in the United States is sourced from North America.

To read more information about CNG, where to find it, and more:

http://www.cngnow.com/Pages/information.aspx
 UPDATE 11/15/2012:The 2013 Bi-Fuel trucks are in production now at the   Fort Wayne, Ind., GM Plant.

Keep it between the lines,
Happy Motoring


We Truly Go the Extra Mile at
Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC Trucks - www.biggscadillac.com

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GMC Conversion Vans at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

Have you ever wondered, What is a Conversion Van?

           A Conversion Van is taking a stock, empty, bare interior Van that is customized to your specific likes and needs, be it to accommodate a handicapped individual with a lift gate or special needs equipment, to an outfitted unit suitable for camping, or something that is just plain comfortable for travel. Maybe you love to go the the races or to sports events, but want something that you can relax in at whatever time you feel the need. We have Conversion Vans here at Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC. 

            What is the advantage of a Conversion Van versus a Motor Home?

There is the initial investment. A Conversion Van is much less expensive than a Motor Home.

The gas mileage is better( 13 city, 17 hwy), so is the ease of parking a Van. You can fit into any parking spot. 

         Why purchase a Conversion Van?

A conversion van may be the best vehicle for you. They are roomy and that can be just what you need for a long road trip, or when you have a large family. Just think of all the possibilities for your family enjoying the American landscape in your new conversion van. The conversion van offers plenty of room for families with children and offers space for each child to have a place to play, game, watch TV or watch a DVD in the back of the van.
Thinking about taking a family trip with grandma? Or wondering how your whole family will be entertained when you take a trip in your new conversion van? No problem! Your new conversion van is very comfortable and grandma will have no problem finding a place that is right for her. Temperature control is out of sight. Grandma can be warm in her seat with extra heating and your wife can have plenty of cooling, so she doesn’t get too hot where she is sitting.

            The Conversion Vans that we have in stock are GMC Savana Vans equipped for the comfort of traveling. The first thing is the van roof is raised to a "High Top" which makes the inside much easier to move around in.They are stocked with a  26" flat screen TV with DVD, 4 Captains Chairs for comfort,  double doors on both sides for ease of entry, vertical shades on all of the side and rear doors for privacy,  grab handles at the side doors for help getting in and out if needed, leather seating for that luxurious feel, running boards on both sides, power bi-fold bed with an added back, connectors for gaming, special lighting, rear heat and A/C, and much more.

Next time you are looking for something that is the Right Fit - Try looking at a Conversion Van from Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

You will see the difference, we truly go the extra mile.

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring

2012 GMC Acadia - Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC

              GMC Acadia as entered into its fifth year and GM is still making the Acadia and its brand better. Sales have been up and the news is spreading. The Acadia lineup is filled with trim levels and options. The safety of this Suv is top rate. Air bags, traction control and rollover mitigation technology help take it to the top.Fuel economy is good for this 3.6L V-6 VVT engine, FWD models get an EPA - estimated 24 mpg, highway. The Acadia has a towing capability of 5,200 pounds, when properly equipped.

One of the better features of the Acadia's interior is the ability to reconfigure the seating.GM's Smart Slide is standard on all second row seating, this allows the second row of seats to be adjusted farther back to provide more legroom for taller passengers. When adjusted forward, it provides more storage space or additional legroom for third row passengers.This system also allows quick and easy access to the third row seating area. The second row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward.

Biggs Cadillac Buick GMC in Elizabeth City, NC has several Acadia models in stock and ready to be driven. GM has some great incentives right now to make your purchase a little easier. Check our website for the latest incentives available.http://www.biggscadillac.com/CorporateIncentives

New Details for 2012: GMC Acadia

The Acadia’s five trims include the base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT-2 and top-of-the-line Denali. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims, and adds $2,000 to the sticker price.

The Acadia sees only minor changes for the 2012 model year. SLT and Denali models both get blind-spot sensors and hill-hold assist standard, all trims add an accessory power outlet and GMC has shuffled around some color options.

Reviews

•          "One of the best of these modern family haulers is the 2012 GMC Acadia, a large crossover that boasts a refined ride and an enormous cabin that can fit up to eight adults,” writes Edmunds

•   "Acadia is tailor-made for buyers who need a minivan but don't want to drive one. This Best Buy crossover is dynamically capable, comes standard with a host of safety features, and offers several unusual and useful options.” -- Consumer Guide

•           "The Acadia Denali caters to (its occupants) in nearly every way possible. And in a parking lot full of big crossovers with ho-hum looks, the Acadia Denali arrives looking for a fight. One that it will most likely win.” -- The Detroit News

•           "The Acadia successfully combines the appearance and capabilities of an SUV with an added measure of practicality and efficiency. It seats up to eight people, has ample room for luggage or cargo and offers good fuel economy." -- Kelley Blue Book

                                      How did the Acadia rate?

Acadia Performance - 7.4 (Good) 

Reviewers say that while the GMC Acadia won’t be setting any records at the track, it  performs well enough for most drivers

Acadia Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers say that the 2012 GMC Acadia looks attractive enough, and some even say it looks aggressive. Though most say the Acadia blends in with the rest of the class, its flashy (and pricey) Denali trim may be too much for some.

Acadia Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Reviewers say the 2012 GMC Acadia’s interior is surprisingly classy and spacious for the class. Plus, adults can fit comfortably in the third row, which is unusual for a three-row affordable Midsize SUV.

Acadia Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2012 GMC Acadia gets an overall rating of five stars out of five in crash tests conducted by the federal government and was named a Top Safety Pick for its excellent scores in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.

For all of the details of what the Acadia offers, including vehicle specifications and equipment options go to:http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gmc/vehicles/acadia/2012.html

	2012 GMC Acadia
	GMC.com | More About GMC Acadia

Keep it between the lines,

Happy Motoring

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.