Chevy Making Moves To Make Towing Even Safer

According to a Chevy press release, roughly 1.2 million horse, RV and work trailers are sold every year in the United States. And though it comes with no surprise, these trailers are usually pulled by full-size trucks and SUVs. With this knowledge, Chevrolet, being an award-winning industry leader in trailering, has found the perfect opportunity to help trailer manufacturers and the industry leaders to understand the direction truck and trailering technology is headed.

The brand has recently announced they will be working with the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) in order to create an integrated and convenient trailering experience for today’s trailer owners.

“Our owners are often towing something, from an RV to construction equipment, that is more valuable than their truck,” stated General Motors future truck executive chief engineer, Tim Herrick. “Unequivocally, they tell us that they are looking for a better towing experience. Safer, easier, with more integration between their trailer and their truck.”

Chevrolet plans to assist trailer manufacturers in the development of technologies that will take combined trailer and truck safety and industry safety standards to the next level. Additionally, the partners will work together to increase the communication between the truck and the trailer so that the driver is always aware of what’s going on behind them while staying focused on the road.

“This partnership with Chevrolet is part of the trailer industry’s continued commitment to improving safety,” Pam Trusdale, executive director, NATM stated. “We are confident that we can collectively improve not only the towing experience for consumers but also public safety, which is why NATM is excited about working with Chevrolet.”

Be sure to look out for more built-in advanced technology towing options on future Chevrolet models at West Chevrolet! 

Midnight Editions Expanding To More Vehicles In Chevy's Lineup

 If you haven’t noticed, Chevrolet has been rolling out quite a few special edition models of some of the most popular vehicles in their lineup. Midnight Editions of the Silverado, Colorado, Equinox and Trax have become the fastest-selling special edition vehicles to date...but the brand isn’t stopping there. Chevy recently announced they will be expanding these Midnight Edition speciality models to the Tahoe and Suburban. In our opinion, this makes perfect sense, considering these two vehicles make up nearly 50 percent of all full-size vehicles in the US.

Marketing and advertising manager of Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe stated, “Our SUV customers have shown a considerable appetite for specialty vehicles. The Midnight Editions allow us to further deliver on the premium expectation that our customers already have for these class-leading full-size SUVs.”

The Midnight Edition Suburban and Tahoe will be available in two different variants, the Z71 Midnight package and the LT Midnight package. The Z71 will have all of the features that are included in the Z71 Package, like the off-road tuned suspension and off-road tires, tow hooks, fog lamps and sill plates. To take it up a notch, the Midnight Edition will offer 18” all-black wheels, roof rack cross rails, a black grille insert and the black Chevy “bow tie” logos.

Similarly, the LT Midnight will include the same features of the Suburban and Tahoe trim levels, but will add 20” black wheels, all-season tires, roof rack rails, black assist steps, and of course, black Chevy “bow tie” logos.

According to Chevy, these vehicles will be released a little later this year! Be sure to keep an eye out for their arrival to West Chevrolet in Knoxville, Tennessee!

How One-Pedal Driving Gives The 2017 Bolt EV Even More Range

A recent announcement by General Motors states that the 2017 Bolt EV will offer “one-pedal driving”, which uses regenerative braking to maximize the vehicle’s total range. Unsure what any of this means? Boiled down, regenerative braking gives this electric vehicle the ability to recapture large amounts of energy and use it to recharge the battery. If the regenerative braking system is powerful enough, it can almost completely cut out the need of using the brake pedal, hence, we have one-pedal driving.

“Bolt EV customers who want an engaging experience will love the thrill of one-pedal driving. They will be able to tailor the vehicle to their preferred driving style and maximize their range.” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer, Josh Tavel.

A test run by Chevrolet engineers found that nearly 5 percent of of range can be added to the Bolt EV when using one-pedal driving. Drivers are able to customize the experience to fit their needs with four different modes, which include:

• Operating in Drive and easing off the accelerator
• Operating in Drive and using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel
• Operating in Low and easing off the accelerator
• Operating in Low and using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem

According to a recent Chevrolet press release, number 1 provides the lowest level of regen braking and still requires the use of the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. Numbers 2-4 are progressively stronger and, when using them in certain situations, the driver will be able to stop the Bolt without the brake pedal.

Electric vehicle enthusiasts are excited about this technology making its way to the Chevrolet Bolt. By using regenerative braking, this vehicle has the ability to surpass its already 200+ miles of range… and that’s what it’s all about!

We’ll keep you posted on its arrival to Knoxville!

Lots Of Changes Coming Along With The 2017 Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado was brought into the market for the 2015 model year and has experienced unparalleled success ever since. Now, the 2017 model is headed our way and is even better than before. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado will offer an all-new V-6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This update creates a midsize pickup unlike any other in its segment.

Anita Burke, Colorado chief engineer, stated “Customers made the Colorado an overnight success and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products. That fast success has justified our continued investment in midsize pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V-6 and eight-speed automatic powertrain combination.”

Currently the most fuel-efficient pickup in the nation, the Colorado has an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway when equipped with the diesel engine. The new V-6 engine includes updated technologies and is accompanied by the eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination will lead to an overall improved driving experience- pulling harder during acceleration and offering a sophisticated, clean ride on the highway.

As mentioned, the Colorado has had tons of success and we have the numbers to back it up. Chevrolet is currently on track to sell more than 160,000 Colorado’s since it was brought into the market 24 months ago. The Colorado also makes up an overall 23 percent of the midsize segment.

The 2017 Colorado will be headed to West Chevrolet in Knoxville, TN towards the end of this year and you’re not going to want to miss it! In the meantime, come check out our current pickups, like the 2016 Colorado and 2016 Silverado 1500!