GM Says “Thank you” to America’s Military

May is National Military Appreciation Month. Here, in the Florida Panhandle, we also know this year is the Centennial of Naval Aviation. In honor of our military, General Motors has extended and broadened their military discounts. These discounts range from $500 all the way up to $4,000. They’re valid during May and available to members of the military and retirees as well as their spouses. The honored branches are the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard and the Coast Guard.

These discounts will help GM put more tires on the street, but more importantly, they will allow more of our military and their families to buy safe, reliable General Motors vehicles. In addition, GM is donating $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for every Chevrolet model sold. They’ve already collected over 50,000 cell phones and donated 114 million phone cards to the charity. This equates to somewhere around 200 years of call time for our soldiers. Of course, we don’t have new Chevrolets at McKenzie Motors, but the discounts are valid on any GM vehicle.


To sweeten the deal, GM is offering to add an Honor Badge to vehicles sold under this discount. The badge features the phrase “HONOR AND VALOR” encircling a yellow ribbon, in honor of the military and military personnel. Adding sugar to the honey, GM is offering an additional $750 rebate for eligible members of USAA, a military financial service provider.


Finally, General Motors is unveiling a Limited Edition 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS. There will be 99 “Honor and Valor” Camaros produced. The release of these special edition Camaros will happen during the Indianapolis 500 military personnel parade on May 28th.


To learn more about GM’s May Military Discount program or to find out about any of the great GMC, Buick, or quality pre-owned vehicles at McKenzie Motors, visit us online at www.mckenziemotors.com or stop by our showroom at 6500 Carolina St. in Milton, FL.

StabiliTrak Helps Keep Your GMC Shiny Side Up

GMC Terrain

No one wants to be out of control. Behind the wheel, we like to feel as though we’re master and commander of the open road. So, when we give up control of something, it’d better be for good reason. The 2011 GMC Terrain will take control and help keep you on the road when it senses that there is trouble. This is thanks to StabiliTrak technology. Not since the introduction of seatbelts has there been such a positive advance in vehicle safety.

StabiliTrak is an advanced, computer-assisted technology that helps with directional control under difficult driving conditions. When the vehicle’s computer system senses a difference between the direction of travel and intended direction of travel, StabiliTrak will selectively apply the brakes and, in some instances, may even reduce engine power output to aid in direction correction. This happens in less than one second.

A member of the StabiliTrak development team, Bret Dick, describes the technology as a milestone in crash avoidance. “The best crash is the crash you avoid,” Dick said. “Active safety systems like StabiliTrak with traction control are designed to keep the GMC Terrain on the road while avoiding spinouts. Future developments will build on this technology to make the roads safer for all drivers.”

Dick’s interest in safety engineering goes all the way back to his childhood home in Rochester, New York, and BMX trail riding. “Racing BMX bikes started a lifelong curiosity into how things work,” Dick said. “Even today, when I see a piece of machinery or electronics, I intuitively start breaking it down in my head to figure out what makes it tick.”

This technology is already making drastic improvements in safety on America’s roadways. Introduced by GMC in 2003, StabiliTrak and other similar technologies have reduced the chances of being involved in a fatal crash by 1/3 over the last 10 years, this according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

General Motors was the first domestic manufacturer to implement electronic stability control. This is just one, among many, safety technologies designed to protect passengers before, during, and after an accident. The Terrain also features Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, and Panic Brake Assist. In the event that a crash does occur, OnStar’s Automatic Crash Response will alert first responders so that medical assistance can be on-site as quickly as possible.

Safety features such as these, and the feeling of protection that they create, helped GMC close the first quarter of 2011 with retail sales up 31 percent; making March GMC’s 18th consecutive month of sales growth. GMC sales are up 11 percent over the previous year.

“The first quarter showed continued strong consumer demand for GMC’s capable, fuel efficient, well-equipped trucks, sport utilities and crossovers,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “Terrain, in particular, attracted buyers with its segment-leading fuel economy.”

The Terrain, as well as the rest of the GMC and Buick product lines, is available at McKenzie Motors in Milton, Florida. If you have questions regarding StabiliTrak, OnStar or anything auto related, call, email, stop in, or find us on facebook.

What do you expect from a customer service experience?

We all may have different expectations, but there are more than likely a few common points. We all want it (the experience) to be:

Fast. We hate to go through the proper customer service channels with a problem, only to end up waiting. As consumers, we have options to submit concerns over negative experiences. Often, the business’ website will have a “contact us” button or a customer service tab; some businesses are quick to respond to concerns via social media such as facebook or Twitter. Of course, there is always the telephone. If you can find a phone number for a customer service department, this may be your preferred method. Unfortunately, it’s becoming harder and harder to actually speak with a human when calling these numbers. If you have a question or concern regarding a vehicle at McKenzie Motors, you can call our office – and speak with a human, you can contact us through our website, or you can find us on facebook and express your concerns there. You won’t have to wait long to have an answer to your question or a resolution to your issue.

Accurate. Just slightly more annoying than a business taking too long to get back with you regarding a concern is when the business’ customer service department issues blanket statements or emails regarding products. There have been instances where the response from the business either had nothing to do with the complaint. Sometimes, it even seems as though the customer service department didn’t take the time to read the complaint. Not so long ago, we had an issue with a padlock… it wouldn’t open. When we contacted the manufacturer, they suggested that we return it to the place of purchase or send it in. Clearly, they hadn’t read the part of the email that said that the lock was installed and wouldn’t open. We will listen to your concerns and, if the problem is covered under your warranty we’ll make it right. Even if it’s not covered, we’ll do the best that we can to provide a satisfactory solution.

Thorough. Quite possibly the most important aspect (if there actually is a “most important” among the equally important aspects) is that the business’ actions completely address the concerns. It’s not always possible to make the customer, you, completely happy with the situation. Sometimes, things can be beyond the control of all parties involved. In these cases, the business should take extra care to ensure that the issue has been addressed as thoroughly as possible. This means explaining the steps that have been taken AND letting the customer know, with examples, that everything possible has been done to resolve the issue. At McKenzie, we do that. If not, let us know and we’ll do what it takes to make it right.

If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or find us on Facebook and tell us about your adventures!

The Drive to Drive

Even though gas prices have risen sharply in the last few years, one of America’s favorite pastimes is still driving. At McKenzie Motors, we love it too! There is a lot to be said for hopping in the car (or truck) and going for a drive. Whether you call it a tension reliever, thinking time, or just exploration, a little time behind the wheel can be great for the mind and soul. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast provides us all great opportunities when it comes to finding scenic drives. One such route, Pensacola to Panama City, takes you to and through a lot of interesting and beautiful destinations along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Taking about 3.5 hours, depending on how often you stop, this drive will cover approximately 103 miles. Starting in Pensacola, head east on Main Street (U.S. 98). The three-mile bridge spans the blue-green water of Pensacola Bay as it arches over the entrance to Pensacola Harbor. Immediately after crossing the bridge, you’ll find yourself in beautiful Gulf Breeze, a jewel of Santa Rosa County. Just through Gulf Breeze you have an option: either continue on U.S. 98 through Naval Live Oaks along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, or take Rte. 399 to Santa Rosa Island. This barrier island has miles of unspoiled shoreline dotted with live oaks, sea grasses, and sand dunes.

U.S. 98 and Rte. 399 converge in Navarre. From this point eastward, Florida’s thriving tourist industry provides vistas including hotels, condos, restaurants, boardwalks, and pristine, white beaches. Navarre leads to Ft. Walton Beach, just east of which, highway 98 crosses back onto Santa Rosa Island. It is near here that you may want to stop and have a swim at the Choctawhatchee Bay Recreational Area.

Once you’ve crossed the bay, you’re only a few miles from the unofficial charter boat capital of the Panhandle, Destin. Of course, there are miles of beautiful beaches here as well. East of Destin is Sandestin, and just beyond, a detour on Rte. 30A takes you on a 20 mile drive past scenic lakes, through towering pine forests, and into historic Florida towns. Along this leg of the route, feel free to stop for coffee or a snack at the Grayton Beach Recreational Area or in Seaside, a planned resort village made famous in the movie the Truman Show, featuring Jim Carrey.

From Seaside, Rte. 30A rejoins U.S. 98 for the remaining leg of the trip. Once in Panama City, stop and enjoy the 27 miles of fine white sand and glimmering gulf water. Relax and take in the sunshine as you bide your time waiting for the return trip.

Perhaps you’d like to take this drive. Maybe you’d even like to make a detour or create a route all your own. If you have a favorite drive in the Panhandle, let us know. We’d love for you to share your driving stories with us. If you have any questions or comments, leave them below or find us on Facebook and tell us about your adventures!

Now, get to driving.

Buick Consumers say Buy, Buy, Buy

Buick’s recent ground-up redesign has done wonders for sales. The company’s first quarter numbers show retail and total sales up 49 and 39 percent respectively. March ended as Buick’s 18^th consecutive month showing growth in retail and total sales. Around 38 percent of Buick buyers have most recently had non GM vehicles. Nearly half of those were import vehicles.

“Regal, LaCrosse and Enclave continue to attract new-to-Buick buyers seeking fuel efficiency, luxury and style in the midsize sedan, full-size car and crossover segments,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We fully expect the arrival of the fuel-efficient LaCrosse with eAssist and all-new Verano luxury compact to attract even more new customers to Buick.”

The newly redesigned Regal launched in April of 2010 and has been a key contributor to the automaker’s increased sales figures. The Regal’s sales increased sharply in March of this year due to the introduction of the Regal CXL Turbo, which accounted for 30 percent of Regal’s March sales. The turbo 2.0 liter provides better horsepower and torque than can be found in the Acura TSX, as well as better fuel economy. Paired with a six speed manual transmission, this Regal is a screaming 32 mpg highway machine.

The Regal isn’t the only Buick model with sales on the rise. Retail sales for the LaCrosse showed a 4 percent increase in the first quarter of 2011. The 2012 LaCrosse will feature GM’s new eAssist technology. The eAssist uses an electric motor coupled with lithium-ion batteries to harness the kinetic energy created during braking. This electric power is used for starts and stops as well as to provide a power boost when cruising, if needed.

The eAssist system uses power stored in the battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW induction motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through:

    * Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery

    * Providing up to 11 kW (15 hp) of electric power assistance during acceleration

    * Automatic engine shut-off when the vehicle is stopped

    * Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero vehicle speed, enabled by the torque smoothing provided by the induction motor-generator unit

    * Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

“The capability to deliver electric boost to the powertrain system during heavy acceleration and grade driving enables the engine and transmission to operate more efficiently,” said Steve Poulos, global chief engineer of the eAssist system. “Full fuel shutoff at stops and during deceleration complements electric boost and regenerative braking with additional fuel savings.” 

The Enclave, which is in its fourth year, showed its strongest sales in 2010 and continued to grow by 24 percent in the first quarter of this year. It has the highest rate of cross-over buyers of any Buick, attracting 46 percent formerly non-GM buyers. A major draw for the Enclave is its 24 mpg highway ride combined with eight passenger comfort.

“Fuel efficient vehicles and positive word of mouth continue to draw new customers to Buick showrooms,” Sweeney said. “Consumer interest in the brand also is evident by a 31-percent year-over-year increase in traffic at Buick.com, which is an important sales generator.”

For more information about these and other great Buick vehicles in the Milton, FL area, go to McKenzie Motors’ website at http://www.mckenziemotors.com

Remembering the First

There are a lot of memorable firsts in a lifetime: first day of school, first love, first kiss, etc. The adage, “there’s a first time for everything” is true, no matter who you are. Being that this is a car blog, we’ll bet you can guess what first we’ll be talking about. That’s right, first car; or, in this case, first truck. The following story was submitted to “From the Glovebox” by reader, B.F.

It was 1991 when I had finally saved up enough money to buy my first vehicle. Being a young man in the south, there was no doubt that my first vehicle had to be a pickup truck. Eventually, it would be black, have a gun rack in the back window, and a CB antenna on the roof; but, not the day that I got it.

My parents believed in the value of a dollar, and they tried to teach me the same the best way they knew how. They helped pay the insurance but, buying the vehicle and keeping gas in the tank was my own responsibility. Fortunately, at the time, gas was less than a dollar a gallon.  I started working when I was 14, and saved as much of each paycheck as possible. Eventually, I had a few hundred dollars saved. There weren’t a lot of options in my hometown for buying a used vehicle. In fact, there were only two, the classifieds and the parking lot at the IGA.

For weeks, I scanned the classified ads in the local paper. People were selling all kinds of cars and trucks, but nothing that would fit into my modest budget. Then, it happened. I found my first truck. It was a white 1984 GMC S-15 with red, orange and blue stripes down the side. It was a five speed manual. I learned fast how tricky operating a clutch, brake and gas pedal was. It didn’t take long to get used to it though.

Two weeks later, to the day, on the way to work from school, a woman in a car turned in front of me. I couldn’t stop. In just fourteen days I’d gotten my first vehicle, and I’d gotten in my first wreck. I cried and swore I was through driving. Unfortunately, I had the most basic insurance, which didn’t cover collisions. Luckily, both my father and I loved shade tree mechanic work. We bought a replacement bumper, grille and right front fender (from a junkyard) and got to work bringing that truck back to life. On the positive side, I had the opportunity to get rid of those stripes and put some black paint on those flat, white body panels. Incidentally, this is also just about the time that I started getting into automotive customization.

I’m 35 now, and I’ve had more cars and trucks than I’ve had years behind the wheel; but that S-15 was my first and will always be special. Thanks for letting me share my story with you.

We thought this was a nice story about a man and his first truck. What do you think?

Do you have a first vehicle story you’d like to share with us? If so, feel free to post a comment below. 

IIHS, NHTSA, and Other Important Safety Acronyms

If you’ve ever shopped for a new or used car, you’ve probably heard of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). You’ve likely heard of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both of these groups were formed on the heels of the publication of the book “Unsafe at Any Speed”. This book, authored by Ralph Nader, was published in 1965 and highlights the relative unwillingness of auto manufacturers to adopt new safety features including seat belts. The organizations investigated and compared safety features but it wasn’t until 1978 and 1995 until the NHTSA and IIHS, respectively, began conducting crash tests.

A variety of front and side impact tests are conducted by both agencies. The tests vary in their speed and structure, but they’re looking for the same thing… safety. To underscore the differences, the NHTSA performs a roll-over test; while the IIHS tests head and seat restraints for rear crashes.
Each organization tests cars that are new to the market and those that have had modifications from the previous model year. Most vehicles are tested every year, though, if there are no changes in the vehicle year-to-year, it is not tested subsequent times until a change of some sort is introduced.

Other, more specific, differences in testing procedures include that the NHTSA crashes vehicles, full-head on, at 35 mph. The IIHS performs this test at 40 mph and only on the driver’s side 40% of the front of the vehicle. This, in their description, is to accurately display the impact with another vehicle that has crossed the center line.

When we think of vehicle “Star” ratings, we’re generally are referring to the NHTSA’s ratings. In the fall of 2010 the NHTSA revised their Five-Star rating system. Initially, there was some resistance to the change. The term “teaching to the test” comes to mind. The safety tests had become so standardized and their protocols so well known, that manufacturers had figured out how to make nearly their entire product line qualify as 5-star certified. The testing procedures needed to be changed to keep up with and push safety standards to new levels.

"We want to make manufacturers stretch to make the cars as safe as we believe is technologically feasible," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "The tests need to keep up with the state-of-the-art technology."

Some of the testing revisions include the addition of a new dummy, intended to represent smaller female passengers, and additional, more stringent side-crash criteria. The previous versions of the tests used a medium sized, male dummy to represent all drivers. "We recognize that this didn't properly capture a significant portion of the American populace," Strickland said. "We added the small female dummy to capture how a crash would impact them in terms of injuries." Additionally, the NHTSA introduced an overall summary of the report for easy, at-a-glance safety assessment. The new ratings, however, can’t be compared side-by-side with previous model year assessments.

Look for new ratings to appear on 2011 model year vehicles. Information can be obtained from safercar.gov. Are we removing more responsibility from the driver and moving to a place where driving is too safe?