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