2013 Encore Receives IIHS, NHTSA Safety Accolades

2013 Encore Receives IIHS, NHTSA Safety Accolades

All five models in luxury brand’s showroom now share IIHS Top Safety Pick designation

DETROIT – The 2013 Encore luxury small crossover brings a smaller footprint and high efficiency to the Buick showroom, but the brand’s newest model maintains the commitment to safety, joining all other current Buicks as an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2013 Top Safety Pick. The Encore with all-wheel drive also received a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
With every model sharing the IIHS designation, Buick is one of just a few brands with a full line of 2013 Top Safety Picks. The Verano, Regal, LaCrosse and Enclave all have a NHTSA 5-star overall rating.
The IIHS tests vehicles to determine occupant protection in front, side, and rollover crashes, and specifically tests seats and head restraints for neck protection in rear impact crashes. To earn a 2013 Top Safety Pick designation, a vehicle must be rated “good” in all four tests.
NHTSA tests for its 5-star safety ratings program include front, side and rollover testing, along with a side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.
The Encore has 10 standard air bags, a standard Rear Vision Camera and the security of OnStar – a combination unmatched by any competitor. In a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for an extended period.
Encore’s advanced body structure is comprised of more than 60 percent high-strength steel that provides a protective safety cage around occupants. Other safety measures include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a collapsible pedal system that reduces the risk of leg injury.
Available active safety features for the 2013 Encore include Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning, a pair of technologies that use a single forward-looking camera to read traffic patterns and lane markers on the road ahead. Visual warnings and audible tones alert the driver to unsignalled lane changes or a slowed vehicle.

“Safety is a top priority in Buick’s product renaissance, as evidenced by receiving these latest safety accolades for Encore,” said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety. “Our customers can have confidence in the safety performance of every Buick for sale today.”

Buick News

Buick Delivers Best May Retail Sales Since 2005

Buick Delivers Best May Retail Sales Since 2005

Consumers choose more premium features as brand marks 13 straight months of retail sales gains

DETROIT – With an expanded lineup featuring three sedans and two crossovers, Buick posted its best May retail sales in eight years. Led by the 2013 Enclave luxury crossover, Buick retail sales were up 9.9 percent from May 2012, marking 13 consecutive months of year-over-year retail sales gains.  Buick total sales were down 3.1 percent.
Calendar year-to-date retail sales are up 16.9 percent, while total sales are up 16 percent.
Enclave had its best May ever with retail sales of 4,912, up 18.6 percent year-over-year. The redesigned three-row crossover has delivered year-over-year retail sales gains each month since it was introduced last year and is up 27.4 percent year to date.
The all-new Encore luxury small crossover also continues to sell well with 1,974 vehicles delivered in May.
Buick customers are selecting more premium features and colors in the brand’s newest crossover models.
The top two models (1SL and 1SN) for both the Enclave and Encore represent the largest percentage of sales for each vehicle – more than 90 percent for Enclave and more than 50 percent for Encore – with the feature-rich 1SN packaged model spending the least time on dealer lots.
Buick crossover customers are also opting for premium tricoat paints, with the Enclave’s White Diamond and Encore’s White Pearl representing the highest percentage of sales for each model.
“Enclave has be our best-selling model since its introduction in 2007, so it’s no surprise the redesigned model is leading our growth this year,” said Brian Sweeney, vice president of Buick Sales and Service.  “More importantly, we’re seeing demand for the premium trim level models within our crossover line-up, which is indicative of the customer that’s considering Buick today.”
Enclave was recently named a 2013 Total Quality award-winner in the Near Luxury Utility category by Strategic Vision, which examines 155 specific aspects of Total Quality to measure the most meaningful experiences for customers across all automakers.

The Verano luxury sedan also marked its best month of the year in May with retail sales up 9.4 percent over May 2012.

Buick News

2014 Buick Lineup Offers Active Safety Suite

DETROIT – Every 2014 Buick model – Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave – will be offered with a suite of available active safety systems that watch the front, side and rear of the vehicle to help prevent crashes.
Buick will be the only brand in the industry to offer Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, and a Rear Vision Camera on every vehicle.
Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are a pair of technologies that use a single forward-looking camera to read traffic and lane markers on the road ahead. Visual warnings and audible tones alert the driver to unsignaled lane changes or a slowed vehicle.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Warning use radar to watch spots the driver may not see – and provide visible and audible warnings to help prevent collisions.
When the vehicle is in reverse and the Rear Vision Camera is active, Rear Cross Traffic Alert will flash a red icon and directional arrow if another vehicle is approaching from either side, which is especially useful backing out of a tight driveway or parking space in a busy lot.
Side Blind Zone Alert detects other vehicles in a Buick’s blind spot and alerts the driver with a yellow icon on the glass of either side view mirror. If a turn signal is engaged while a vehicle is detected in the next lane, the icon flashes to discourage merging.
“Striking design, uncompromised comfort and purposeful safety technology – those are the core attributes of every Buick,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “Our 2014 lineup will tell an active safety story exclusive to the Buick brand and, more importantly, one that helps protect our drivers and passengers better than ever before.”
Passive safety is equally important to Buick. Although 2014 models have not been rated, every 2013 Buick model available today has been designated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Current Buick models make extensive use of high strength steel and, with the Verano compact luxury sedan and Encore luxury small crossover, offer as many as 10 standard air bags.

The Enclave luxury crossover comes standard with the industry’s first front center air bag, which helps protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes. It deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the driver and front passenger, offering protection that no other airbag can offer.

Buick News

GM global sales up 4% in first half of 2013, ahead of Volkswagen shared by Borcherding

General Motors reported a 4% increase in global vehicle sales for the first half of the year, placing it ahead of Volkswagen.

Toyota, which was the world’s biggest automaker last year, has not reported its first-half sales.
GM gained a tenth of a percentage point in global market share to 11.5%, as sales hits 4.85 million. That outpaced Volkswagen’s 4.7 million vehicles, up 5.5%.
GM posted an 8% sales increase in North America to 1.64 million vehicles, as market share rose from 17% a year ago to 17.2%. In GM’s International Operations unit, which includes China market, sales rose 7% to 1.92 million vehicles, with market share rising from 9.3% to 9.4%. But sales fell 6.5% in Europe.
Separately, Goldman Sachs raised its rating on GM’s stock Tuesday to “Conviction Buy,” up from “Buy.” The firm’s analysts said GM’s stock could hit $45 within the next 12 months, “driven by a global product story.”
GM shares slipped 32 cents to close at $36.18.

GM Media

Star quarterback returns to Buick to promote safety features

DETROIT – Football star Peyton Manning returns to TV screens across the country during this weekend’s NCAA® Men’s Basketball Final Four®. The spot, called “Blindsided,” is Manning’s second contribution to the “Experience Buick” campaign. It focuses on safety features of the 2013 Verano compact luxury sedan.

“We’re talking about the new Verano but using important football lingo. Last year we were calling audibles and this year it’s a spot called ‘Blindsided,’” said Manning. “No one wants to be blindsided, especially a quarterback. Usually you have one guy protecting the blindside but these features are so good, it’s really like having 11 guys blocking your blindside.”

The 2013 Verano has a standard Rear Vision Camera and an available safety package that includes Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that can help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert senses cross traffic up to 65 feet away that may not be visible to the driver when backing out of a parking space or driveway. The driver is alerted with a red directional arrow displayed on the Rear Vision Camera screen along with three directional beeps.

“Peyton Manning is approachable, and that’s synonymous with what Buick is – an approachable, down-to-earth luxury brand,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “And while he’s certainly elevated and premium in terms of his position in the NFL, he’s easy to relate to and likeable.”

Source: GM Media

Recounting the biggest, the fastest and most significant from Buick history

DETROIT – Buick vehicles today are built in state-of-the-art facilities around the world. The Enclave luxury crossover’s Lansing Delta Township plant was the industry’s first LEED Gold-certified manufacturing facility. The brand has evolved in many ways since 1903, when the first Buick was hand-built in a small barn behind David Dunbar Buick’s Detroit home. Here are 11 top highlights from Buick’s first 11 decades:

• Through the end of 2012, Buick has sold more than 43 million vehicles. That’s the equivalent of every vehicle sold in the United States over the past three years.
• The 1938 Buick Y-Job, credited to famed designer Harley Earl, is regarded as the first concept car ever built. Its waterfall grille is still used on Buicks today, and it featured futuristic technologies like power windows. Earl drove the car himself for more than a decade.
• The 1963 Riviera, often regarded as one of history’s most beautiful cars, celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year. The powerful sport coupe was said to be inspired by a Rolls-Royce that Buick design boss Bill Mitchell saw through a fog in London.
• Buick has a deep motorsports history, proving its performance on race tracks as early as 1908. A Buick has served as Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 six times, and the brand also won two NASCAR Manufacturer Championships, in 1981 and 1982.
• After just over three decades of engineering progress, the first production Buick topped 100 mph. It was the appropriately named 1936 Buick Century.
• The fastest production Buick in history is today’s Buick Regal GS luxury sport sedan. At the 2012 Nevada Open Road Challenge, it recorded a top speed of 162 mph.
• Buick’s quickest car was also one of the brands rarest. Car and Driver magazine recorded 0-60 mph acceleration for the 1987 Buick GNX at just 4.6 seconds. Just 547 were built.
• Powertrain innovation is a Buick hallmark. Today, the company’s turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0L delivers 259 hp, but displacement was king in the 1960s and ‘70s. Buick’s largest engine, a 455-cubic-inch (7.5L) V-8, was introduced in 1970.
• The Buick Electra 225 nameplate was introduced in 1959, with the “225” referencing the model’s overall length in inches. By 1975, the Electra grew to become the longest vehicle ever produced by Buick. It measured 233.7 inches from bumper to bumper.
• Buick’s first vehicle, the 1904 Model B, was also the shortest, riding on an 83-inch wheelbase. The 2013 Encore luxury small crossover isn’t quite as small, but it does have the shortest wheelbase (100.6 inches) since the 1912 Model 34 (90.7 inches.)
• Buick has made many models with seating for two, four, five or six passengers. But only twice in 110 years has the brand produced vehicles with seating for up to eight: the 2008-2013 Enclave and the 1991-1996 Roadmaster Estate.

Buick is a modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan, Regal sport sedan, Buick Verano sedan and the all-new 2013 Encore crossover. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Pinterest or at www.facebook.com/buick

GMC Pickups 101: Busting Myths of Truck Aerodynamics

DETROIT – The all-new 2014 Sierra full-size pickup truck spent more development time in a wind tunnel than any GMC pickup before it, resulting in design changes that benefit both fuel efficiency and interior quietness.

To achieve improved airflow, aerodynamic engineers like Diane Bloch examined every millimeter of the truck to find areas of improvement, debunking some popular myths along the way.

To study the way air passes over, under and around the Sierra, engineers used General Motors’ state-of-the-art Aerodynamics Lab, a 750-foot-long tunnel through which a 43-foot-diameter fan powered by a DC electric motor with the equivalent of 4,500 horsepower can generate winds of up to 138 mph. Aerodynamic advancement is one reason why the 2014 Sierra will be the most fuel-efficient V-8 pickup on the market.

“We can’t stop air; we can only guide it through the path of least resistance. It’s like electricity, without the shock,” said Bloch, GM aerodynamic performance engineer. “The biggest misconception is that it’s all about single components. But a certain side mirror design doesn’t create a certain amount of drag, its interaction with the rest of the vehicle does.”

For example, a new air dam below the 2014 Sierra’s front bumper successfully reduces drag because it directs air toward the ground and away from the truck’s rough underbody. And Sierra’s ducted flow path between the grille and radiator prevents air from swirling inside the truck’s front cavities.

Even the top of the Sierra’s tailgate and the center high-mounted stop light are optimized to guide air cleanly around the truck. And because Bloch’s team detected unwanted airflow between the cab and bed, new sealing has been added.

“We discovered that in the computational analysis we perform,” said Bloch. “The most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so we paid the most attention to that specific area.”

The pickup market has a great number of available aftermarket accessories, and Bloch says those have varying impact on aerodynamics.  Add-ons like bug deflectors on the hood, wider tires or aftermarket bumpers can raise the drag coefficient, which is the measure of how air pushes on a vehicle as it moves down the road. The result: added noise and increased fuel consumption.

A long-disputed topic among truck owners is whether a tailgate raised or lowered is better for aerodynamics, but Bloch says a tailgate in the up position is more aerodynamically efficient. As air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. With the tailgate down, the benefits of that airflow are diminished.

“Replacing the tailgate with an aftermarket net is worse than having no tailgate at all,” Bloch said. “Imagine dragging a solid object and a fishing net through water. The net is going to require more muscle.”

So what accessories can truck owners add to help aerodynamics? Tonneau covers for the bed help smooth airflow over the truck, and Bloch says soft covers are more beneficial than hard covers because they form to how the air wants to flow. Running boards can also help air flow smoothly down the truck’s sides.

“Round, tube-style running boards can provide a minor improvement to the truck’s drag coefficient,” said Bloch, “Fully integrated, flush-mount running boards are even better.”

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, and is one of the industry's healthiest brands. Innovation and engineering excellence is built into all GMC vehicles and the brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. The 2014Sierra half-ton pickup boasts all-new powertrains and design, and the Sierra Heavy Duty pickups are the most capable and powerful trucks ever built by GMC. Every retail GMC model, including Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs, is now available in Denali luxury trim. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc. 

Source: GM Media

Buick Celebrates 110 Years of Building Cars Happy Anniversary from Borcherding Buick GMC!

DETROIT – The Buick brand celebrates its 110^th birthday this weekend. After a few years of experimenting with automobiles built at his home in Detroit, David Dunbar Buick – a former plumbing inventor and businessman – incorporated the Buick Motor Company on May 19, 1903. A State of Michigan historic site marker outside General Motors Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center commemorates the day.

The first production vehicle, the Buick Model B, was offered to retail customers the following year. Today, Buick produces a range of luxury vehicles including the Encore and Enclave crossovers and the LaCrosse, Regal and Verano sedans.

Source: GM Media

2013 GMC Terrain Boasts Denali Trim Level, Test Drive at Borcherding Buick GMC!

(2013 GMC Terrain Denali Shown Above)

The 2013 GMC Terrain will be offered in three different trim levels, including the SLE, SLT and Denali.
And they are all jam-packed with luxury-car worthy amenities that come standard with the vehicle.
Seventeen-inch alloy wheels, heated side-view mirrors, rear-view camera, OnStar, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system are just some of the features that come standard for the base SLE-1 trim level.
SEE PHOTOS OF THE NEW TERRAIN
And for the SLE-2 trim, an eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-speaker Pioneer audio system and upgraded cloth upholstery will be added to the package.
Heated front seats, remote engine start and leather upholstery are all offered up on the SLT-1 trim level, while 18-inch chromed wheels, sunroof, height-adjustable power liftgate and driver-seat memory functionality will be a part of the SLT-2.
The SLT-2 will also feature a safety package that includes a lane-departure warning system, forward-collision alert and rear park assist.
And for the highest trim level, the Denali model of the 2013 GMC Terrain, everything that comes standard with the SLT-2 will be a part of the top-level package as well as model-specific wheels, rear cross-traffic and side blind-zone alert systems, eight-way power passenger seat and unique exterior and interior trim detailing.
All trim levels, except the SLE, will have the option to add a navigation system, while a dual-screen DVD rear-entertainment system are available on the SLT-2 and Denali.
The 2013 GMC Terrain has also undergone some changes under the hood with the addition of a new 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, for every model except the SLE-1, that pumps out 40 more ponies over last year’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder and features 272 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing for the 2013 GMC Terrain starts at $26,235.

Borcherding Kings Local Food Pantry a Success, Thank You!

Borcherding and The Kings Local Food Pantry Success, Thank You!

Borcherding teamed up with the Kings Local Food Pantry who is an integral part of the community by serving those in need of food and/or temporary financial assistance last month.
We had food barrels located in our used and new car showrooms as well at the collision center. A food barrel was also  offsite at our partner Napa Store in Mason. Everyone was so generous and we are so thankful to everyone that made it out.

Although we no longer have the barrels in our showrooms and other locations you can always donate at their location.
While their main focus is to provide food temporary relief of food items, they also provide personal care items for those in need. All to often they find their shelves empty of certain items that their constituents use on a regular basis. Below is a list of items that are in immediate need by the Kings Local Pantry.

• Paper Towels & Tissue Paper
• Deodorant & Bath Soap
• Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
• Shampoo & Hand Sanitizer
• Diapers & Baby Wipes
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Dish Soap & Laundry Detergent
• Cleaning Supplies

What do you think the Audience will be for the 2013 Buick Encore?

                   2013 Buick Encore Expected to Attract Young Buyers, Empty Nesters

Birmingham — General Motors Co.’s all-new 2013 Buick Encore — which the automaker expects will win young professionals and empty-nesters as customers — has begun shipping to U.S. dealers.
The company began shipments of the luxury small crossover last week to about 2,200 U.S. Buick dealers, who sold eight in the first weekend. The vehicle is built only in South Korea and inventory is expected to be tight, Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick and GMC marketing said during an event Tuesday.
“We would expect this vehicle to turn very quickly on dealer lots,” he said.
U.S. Buick dealers have asked for six times the supply of Encores than the company had anticipated.
“The dealer enthusiasm is very, very strong,” DiSalle said.
The Encore, powered by a 1.4-liter turbo engine, starts at $24,950 and has a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway. The small vehicle with plenty of storage space that can carry an eight-foot ladder, comes standard with 10 air bags and a rear vision camera.
The smaller crossover, which GM expects may compete with the Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW X1, Nissan Juke and Mini Countryman, gives the Buick brand five vehicles in its portfolio.
The brand is expected to roll out refreshed LaCrosse and Regal sedans in the next 12 months.
Buick officials would not comment on anticipated sales for the U.S. and DiSalle would not comment when asked if the company is considering building the Encore in the U.S.
Buick’s U.S. sales of 180,408 in 2012 were up 1.6 percent over 2011 totals. The company sold 41,042 of its new Buick Verano sedans, but sales of the Enclave SUV, LaCrosse and Regal were down compared to 2011.
But Buick said its retail sales — or those to individual customers — were up 6 percent in 2012, the highest level in six years.
DiSalle expects the Encore will help GM and Buick win customers from other automakers. The overall Buick brand’s conquest rate — or those who turn in a non-GM brand when buying a Buick — has risen from 28 percent in 2007 to more than 43 percent in 2012,and continues to climb, he said.
“I think the Encore is going to drive down the average age of Buick,” said Lloyd Biermann, marketing manager for the Buick Encore.

Source: [Detroit News]

2013 GMC Acadia What is all involved.

                               2013 Acadia Comes Armed for an Army of Elbows

Hundreds of engineering hours lead to comfort and flexibility

DETROIT – The designers of the 2013 GMC Acadia crossover SUV had a lot of things to account for in developing a comfy interior – including as many as 16 pointy, sensitive elbow bones that would be part of a fully loaded eight-passenger vehicle.
General Motors global human factors engineer Joan Hertely and her team spent hundreds of hours creating resting places that considered angles, dimensions and the right materials to achieve maximum comfort.
“The process begins with benchmarking,” said Hertely, who has 12 years of armrest engineering experience. “We look at what works, what doesn’t, and start compiling criteria for width, length, angle, height, adjustment options, comfort, reach and overall design. And those factors consider door handles, cupholders and switch locations.”
Not all armrests can be treated equally, so a crossover that seats up to eight takes months of planning. The driver’s armrest needs to accommodate more controls. The front center armrest needs to both slide and open for storage, and must be level with armrests on the front doors. The four rear outboard armrests are designed with cupholders, which need to be positioned to avoid spills. Optional second-row captain’s chairs have armrests that move with the seatbacks and can be adjusted up and down, requiring additional design criteria.
“Once a layout is in place after having been evaluated and optimized over a hundred hours in a stationary buck, further testing continues out on the road,” said Hertely. “We took countless drives with Acadias, paying close attention to how each armrest feels on both elbows and forearms, because people rest their arms differently. And the cupholder integration was new, so we had to ensure a level of comfort with the holders in use.”
More new car shoppers are discovering Acadia’s purposeful engineering. October sales for Acadia were the best for that month since 2007, the model’s first year on the market. And through the first 10 months of 2012, Acadia is on track for its best sales year ever.
“I never thought I would drive anything but a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz,” said Illona Olayan, an Acadia owner from Jacksonville, Florida. “But I drove an Acadia and was amazed by the great quality and craftsmanship. I’d recommend one to any family. It’s fun, functional and good looking.”
According to auto shopping site Edmunds.com, Acadia “offers a winning combination of comfort, features, cargo space and performance in a utility-style package.” The 2012 Acadia won Edmunds’ “Best Retained Value” award for SUVs between $35,000 and $45,000, as well as a 2012 ALG Residual Value Award in the full-size utility segment.

Source: [GM Media]

Buick Takes Blogger Design from ‘Pinboard to Dashboard

Buick Takes Blogger Design from ‘Pinboard to Dashboard

Interior designer and blogger Michael Wurm Jr. creates design concept for Encore

DETROIT – An interior designer and blogger who owns a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania was chosen this week by lifestyle editors of major publications to have his Buick Encore “Pinboard to Dashboard” design showcased during the 2013 New York Auto Show.
Michael Wurm Jr., whose site, Inspired by Charm, has nearly 4 million followers on Pinterest, was selected by Buick with nine other influential design, fashion and food bloggers to create pinboards in the first-of-its-kind design program launched in October.
“It’s a blogger’s dream come true. From start to finish, I was checking out what the other participants were doing and I thought everyone had a strong design,” said Wurm. “I had no idea whose design would be selected because you really got to see everyone’s style and I was in love with all of them. I have a totally different perspective of Buick now.”
One of the fastest-growing social media platforms, Pinterest invites users to organize favorite products, designs, and other items on digital “pinboards.”
The goal for the creators was to showcase how the Buick Encore luxury small crossover spoke to their personal style and life passions.
Wurm’s ideas were initially selected as one of the top five most-creative Pinterest inspiration boards based on the response the pinboards generated online and input from the Buick team.  Those five boards were then translated into a digital, fashion-inspired Buick Encore Look Book to showcase each blogger’s unique artistic vision for his or her Encore.
A majority of the more than 20 lifestyle editors who voted from publications and outlets such as Lucky, Oprah, Woman’s World, Essence, Uptown, Good Housekeeping, TheHuffington Post and She Knows selected Wurm’s design.
Seventy-one percent of Pinterest’s nearly 25 million users are under the age of 45 and 50 percent are 25-44, an important market for the all-new Encore. To date, the “Pinboard to Dashboard” program has generated more than 17 million unique visitors, followers or users across Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogs.
“Knowing the Encore’s target audience spends a great deal of time online, and on Pinterest, we created a social strategy to reach them where they ‘live’,” said Lloyd Biermann, Buick Crossovers marketing manager. “Pinterest and this program help visually explain and reveal the beauty of the Encore from a third-party perspective. We were impressed by the level of creativity and inspiration these bloggers created with their pinboards.”
According to a recent Bizrate Insights study, 70 percent of Pinterest users say they use the site to get shopping inspiration, and 43 percent say they use it to associate with brands/retailers.
Wurm’s site shares his best furniture finds, home decorating tips, craft projects and delectable recipes.
The Buick Encore “Pinboard to Dashboard” program also featured these bloggers:

• Aly Walansky of A Little Aly-tude
• Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion
• Jessica Sturdy of Bows & Sequins
• Julie Deily of The Little Kitchen
• Shannon Ables of The Simply Luxurious Life
• Julie Thigpen of Belle Maison 23
• Jeanne Chan of Shop Sweet Things
• Susie Anderson of We Are Not Martha
• Maia McDonald of Conundrum

The 2013 Buick Encore five-passenger luxury small crossover is designed and engineered for driver confidence and versatility. Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine, it has an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway fuel economy, with a standard six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. It features purposeful, intuitive and personalized technologies and connectivity including Intellilink and QuietTuning with Buick’s first use of Bose Active Noise Cancellation.

Source: [GM Media]

2014 Sierra Brings Bold Refinement to Full-size Trucks

2014 Sierra Brings Bold Refinement to Full-size Trucks

DETROIT – The all-new 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is the most powerful, most advanced and most refined truck in the brand’s 110-year history. Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation IntelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners.
“Our engineers and designers left nothing on the table when developing this latest Sierra pickup,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of GMC Marketing. “These trucks have all the power and capability that’s expected in today’s market, excellent fuel efficiency, plus a lot of unexpected, purposeful features developed with truck owners in mind.”
In addition to all-new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features ever for a full-size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions, to a standard tie-down system in the rear, to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all-new Sierra.
New EcoTec3 engines
Sierra’s engine portfolio is updated for 2014 with the goal of increased in power, torque and fuel efficiency across the board. There will be a 4.3L V-6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8 offered, all from a shared EcoTec3 engine family. Each engine features standard direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, which means they seamlessly switch to run on four cylinders during light-load driving to save fuel.
The increased power and efficiency of the new engines are the result of more than 10 million hours of sophisticated computer modeling, more than half of which were used to make the best of the combustion process.
The new 4.3L V-6 EcoTec3 engine will offer improved torque and towing capacity for the six in 10 truck owners who tow.
“Rather than adapting a V-6 intended for use in passenger cars, we built a new engine from the ground up based on the unique demands of a truck,” said Jordan Lee, powertrain chief engineer. “Sierra’s 4.3L shares its basic design architecture with the latest iterations of the V-8 engines that GMC owners have trusted for generations.”
Today’s Sierra offers the best V-8 fuel economy in the industry and the new 5.3L EcoTec3 engine features significant updates intended to make it even more efficient. The available 6.2L V-8 EcoTec3 is engineered to provide outstanding capability.
SAE-certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Sierra are not yet available, but are expected to be finalized early next year.
With the new engine designs and additional developments, customers should expect Sierra’s second-generation Active Fuel Management to be more seamless and capable of operating longer in four-cylinder mode.
All three engines use lightweight aluminum blocks and heads and are mated with durable six-speed automatic transmissions. A “cruise grade braking” feature down-shifts the transmission on downgrades, which is intended to reduce brake wear. V-8 models use new, larger 9.5- and 9.76-inch rear axles with the strength to accommodate the engines’ higher output. Final power and torque ratings will be announced later.
Duralife brake rotors and electric power steering
Strong brakes are important for stopping trucks, whether they’re full of people, payload or both. The 2014 Sierra features four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife brake rotors, which feature a hardened and strengthened surface to reduce corrosion. Duralife rotors – a GM-exclusive technology – are expected to last twice as long as conventional rotors and provide quieter braking with less vibration.
The 2014 Sierra also uses electric power steering. An electric motor in place of an engine-driven hydraulic pump saves fuel and allows for tuning that’s expected to result in a more consistent, crisp steering feel and plenty of assist for parking maneuvers.
The new standard in truck interiors
Premium materials, attention to detail and purposeful technology define Sierra’s all-new cabin. New soft-touch materials and available aluminum trim line an interior that’s focused on usable and productive space.
“Truck owners want a well-crafted cabin, but also one that still feels like a truck,” said Helen Emsley, Sierra interior design director. “They want a purposeful interior, not one that’s flowing like you’d find in a car or crossover.”
Sierra has an upright instrument panel designed for visibility and accessibility. Knobs and buttons are large, legible and within reach. All knobs are coated using a rubber-over-mold technology, so they’re easy to grip even through gloves.
A new instrument cluster on all models features six gauges with an available centrally located, 4.2-inch color Driver Information Center with vehicle status information, a trip computer, and other information, like radio and navigation.
A second, high-mounted glove box with a flat floor joins the traditional box below. Each of Sierra’s doors has storage crafted to hold most beverage containers and other personal items. Along the center stack and center console are additional cupholders, discreet compartments large enough for most laptop computers, and connectivity options. Sierra is available with a 110-volt outlet, up to five USB ports, four 12-volt outlets and an SD card slot.
“Sierra sets a new standard for what’s expected of a pickup truck interior,” said DiSalle. “Our customers told us how they use their trucks and we listened. The combination of comfort, safety, space and technology is unprecedented in the segment.”
Available IntelliLink connectivity uses an available high-definition, fully reconfigurable eight-inch color touchscreen with an intuitive layout and easy-to-read icons that control audio features, a Pandora app, Bluetooth phone features, and available navigation with all-new map displays. Many of the system’s features can be controlled by voice command, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Sierra’s seats use dual-density foam designed to stay comfortable over long hours and continue to look great after years of use. Leather and cloth will be offered, and Sierra’s new high-wear cloth is designed to last longer and resist staining. A spilled drink will bead on the fabric, not soak in. Heated seats are available with cloth seats and standard with leather.
New door and bed configurations
For the first time on Extended Cab models, the 2014 Sierra has new front-hinged rear doors with outside pull handles at the rear, providing improved access in tight parking spaces. Unlike trucks with rear-hinged doors, Sierra’s layout allows rear passengers to enter and exit the vehicle with the front doors remaining closed.
Crew Cab customers, who represent more than 60 percent of retail Sierra customers, can choose between two bed lengths; in addition to the current 5-foot, 8-inch box, a new 6-foot, 6-inch box is available. Regular cabs continue to be available with the 6-foot, 6-inch or 8-foot box lengths, while the extended cab will come exclusively with a 6-foot, 6-inch box.
Cargo box innovations
Sierra’s rear bumper features standard corner steps that make climbing into the bed easy, regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. The steps are paired with grips formed into the top of each bed side. Four movable upper tie downs are also standard. They can be placed in nine different locations and can bear a 500-pound (227 kg) load. Available LED cargo lights integrated beneath the bed rails will illuminate the bed when a tonneau cover is in place. The available EZ Lift and Lower tailgate uses an integrated torsion bar and damper to ease lifting and lowering.
Driver Alert Technology
A suite of active safety features will be optional for the 2014 Sierra, including Forward Collision Alert, which uses a forward-facing camera to notify the driver of an imminent collision, and Lane Departure Warning, which uses the same camera to track the truck’s position in relation to a road’s lane markers.
The camera technology was recently named a “Top Ten Tech Breakthrough of 2012” byPopular Mechanics.
Paired with Forward Collision Alert and Land Departure Warning is GMC’s first-ever Driver Alert Seat, which generates vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower seat cushion bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers, such as an un-signaled lane change or approaching another vehicle too quickly. According to GM research, the seat’s vibrations may direct driver attention to the location of a potential collision more quickly and accurately than audible alerts. Drivers have the option of selecting either audible or vibrating alerts.
Quieter, stronger, more aerodynamic
Quietness doesn’t only come from factors within the cabin. The 2014 Sierra features new aerodynamic measures that benefit fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise. Updated mirrors that reduce wind turbulence, triple-sealed inlaid doors, as well as roof and tailgate design features all help air flow smoothly quietly over the Sierra. Additional sealing around the grille, headlights and space between the cab and box are also designed to lower drag for the new trucks, along with new aerodynamic spats located in front of the rear wheels.
Updates to Sierra’s body and chassis are designed to improve ride and handling, comfort and capability. The fully boxed frame uses high-strength steel and hydroforming to provide more strength and rigidity with less weight. New cab structures incorporate high-strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra-high-strength steel segments of the rocker panels provide added protection for shallow offset crashes.
Sierra’s hood is aluminum, saving approximately 17 pounds versus a comparable steel hood. At the rear, a roll-formed box is stronger, lighter and more durable than a traditional stamped steel box.
Sierra uses aluminum for some suspension components for additional rigidity and weight saving, and new lightweight wheels are paired with low-rolling-resistance tires in most applications. The tires, along with new shear-style and redesigned hydraulic cab mounts, are designed to help reduce noise and vibration in the cabin.
“Pickups aren’t just a tool for GMC owners – they’re part of their everyday lives, and Sierra needs to be as useful on the way to the movies as it is on the way to a job site,” said DiSalle. “The most important thing about the engineering behind this new truck is that it benefits owners in so many different ways.”
Attention to detail
GMC designers approached the exterior of the 2014 Sierra with respect for its predecessors, evolving its familiar shape while adding distinctive details like standard projector headlamps, available LED signature accent lighting and detailed new grilles. All Sierra models have chrome grille surrounds and premium black wheel arch moldings. Different trim levels feature chrome belt moldings, mirror caps and door handles, as well as unique wheel designs and grille details.
Other new features include available front Park Assist, in addition to the rear Park Assist already available, and a sliding rear window with a defroster.
Distinctive All-Terrain model
Sierra All-Terrain has all-new styling for 2014. It includes a unique exterior appearance with a painted grille and less chrome, and is available as an extended cab or crew cab in a limited number of colors.
Standard equipment for Sierra All-Terrain includes the Z71 off-road suspension with monotube Rancho shocks, hill descent control, front recovery hooks, a transfer case shield and unique wheels and tires, along with an automatic locking rear differential that reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve safety and confidence on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces.
Sierra All Terrain is available exclusively with an ebony interior and with front bucket seats on SLE models. A carbon fiber-look seat accent is standard on SLT models.

Source: [GM Media]

New Cars for 2013: Borcherding Buick

New Cars for 2013: Buick

Charting the changes for the 2013.

Enclave: A minor redesign brings body-color rocker panels and front and rear fascias, as well as a new hood, fenders, grille, lighting elements, and wheels. Inside, there’s a new instrument panel and a center airbag that deploys between front-row occupants [see Tech Tidbit below]. IntelliLink infotainment is now standard on all Buicks.
Encore (shown above): New for 2013, the Encore shares its tiny platform—not quite seven inches longer than a Honda Fit—with the Chevrolet Sonic. It also shares the Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbo four rated at 140 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Attempting engagement with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3, the Encore will offer front- and all-wheel drive. Buick estimates that, in either configuration, the Encore will exceed 30 mpg on the highway.
Regal: The eAssist hybrid system is now the standard powertrain. It pairs a 182-hp, 2.4-liter four with a 15-hp electric motor/generator and brings with it underbody aero tweaks and active grille shutters. The EPA estimates fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 36 highway for the combo. A 220-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter remains an option, and the GS retains its 270-hp version of that engine.
Verano: The Verano Turbo joins the lineup with a 2.0-liter four making 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Both the automatic and the optional manual transmissions have six ratios. Other turbo equipment includes dual exhaust outlets and a rear spoiler.
Minor trim changes: LaCrosse.

Source: [Car and Driver]

Trio of New EcoTec3 Engines Powers Silverado and Sierra

Trio of New EcoTec3 Engines Powers Silverado and Sierra

• Advanced combustion system increases power and efficiency
• Seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under light loads
• Rugged hardware engineered to help keep operating costs down
• New 4.3L V-6 with ample torque for towing and hauling, even in a crew cab

DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 will deliver more power, more torque and improved fuel efficiency, thanks in part to a trio of all-new EcoTec3 engines designed specifically for the needs of full-size truck customers.
The new engine family includes a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V-8 and a 6.2L V-8.
EcoTec3 engines feature three state-of-the-art technologies – direct injection, cylinder deactivation and continuously variable valve timing – to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.
“We believe these are the most technologically advanced engines ever offered in light-duty pickups, and they are 100 percent truck – specifically designed for the way customers use trucks in the real world,” said Jordan Lee, Small Block chief engineer and program manager.
“They have all the power and torque needed to confidently handle the tough jobs, and they seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to increase efficiency during light-load driving.
“This is technology no other truck maker can match, and we offer it in every one of our EcoTec3 engines, for every one of our customers,” said Lee. “It is not an extra cost feature. You get our best and most sophisticated technology regardless of trim level.”
Although they share only a handful of parts with previous Chevrolet and GMC engines, the new EcoTec3 engines build on experience gained from millions of trucks and billions of real-world customer miles, while incorporating the latest in advanced materials and combustion systems.
“The combination of straightforward mechanical systems, the latest in materials, and an advanced combustion system enable us to improve power and efficiency, while also reducing noise and vibration,” said Lee. “We think truck customers will find our new engines to be the right tools for the toughest jobs, while helping hold down ownership costs over the long run.”
A family of three all-new engines
The EcoTec3 lineup for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500 includes a 4.3L V-6 and 5.3L and 6.2L V-8s, all matched with proven, efficient six-speed transmissions in the United States and Canada.

• The new 4.3L V-6 will offer budget-conscious customers a state-of-the art truck engine, with ample torque to power a crew cab and tow a trailer.
• The new 5.3L V-8 is engineered for more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy than the current 5.3L V-8.
• The new 6.2L V-8 is expected to be the most capable engine offered in any light-duty pickup truck.

SAE certified horsepower and torque ratings and EPA fuel economy estimates for the new Silverado and Sierra will be available beginning early next year.
Advance combustion system drives greater power, efficiency
At the heart of the new EcoTec3 engine family is an advanced combustion system that maximizes the potential of the direct fuel injection system, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and other technologies.
Development of this advanced combustion system involved extensive design and engineering by GM’s global powertrain organization. More than 100 iterations of the combustion systems were evaluated through computer modeling before a final design was selected for each engine variant. The overall engine design involved more than 10 million hours of computational CPU time, with the combustion process alone accounting for more than 6 million of those CPU hours.
“Owning a truck doesn’t mean settling for second-best technology,” said Lee. “Our new EcoTec3 engines harness some of the most advanced powertrain technologies in the world to meet the specialized demands of truck owners.”
For example, truck engines often need to provide maximum power under heavy load for long periods of time, such as towing a trailer up a mountain grade or slogging through mud at a job site. A rugged, large displacement engine is well suited to reliably providing this power and torque, year in and year out.
“For the 2014 Silverado and Sierra 1500s, these larger displacement EcoTec3 engines can now instantly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve efficiency when less power is required. It gives customers the best of both worlds – a rugged truck engine when they need it, with improved efficiency in light-load driving,” said Lee.
The ability to more precisely control combustion also enables the new engines to run with a higher compression ratio – 11.0:1 for the versions with regular fuel recommended. This higher compression is one of the best ways to simultaneously increases both power and efficiency.
This increased efficiency can now be maintained over a broader range of operating conditions.  For example, when towing a trailer on a hot summer day, Silverado and Sierra’s advanced combustion system can reduce the need to trim back spark advance to control detonation, helping maintain both performance and real-world fuel efficiency, even when the going gets really tough.
Emissions are also reduced, particularly during cold starts, when hydrocarbon emissions are cut by about 25 percent.
Direct injection for precise fuel metering
New EcoTec3 engines use direct fuel injection, which precisely meters fuel directly into the cylinders, to optimize combustion over a broad range of conditions.
The engines also feature a new cylinder-head design and a new, sculpted piston to optimize the mixing of air and fuel in the engine and the burning of the mixture to create power.
The heads features smaller combustion chambers shaped to complement the unique topography of the piston heads. The smaller chamber size and sculpted pistons produce a compression ratio of 11.0:1 or higher, depending on the engine, while the heads features large, rectangular intake ports with a slight twist to enhance mixture motion.
To further enhance combustion, the intake and exhaust valve positions have been switched from previous versions, and the valves are now slightly canted toward the cylinder centerline. Also, the spark plug angle has been revised and the electrode is now closer to the center of the chamber to support optimal combustion.
The pistons feature unique sculpted topography that was optimized via extensive computer analysis to precisely direct the fuel spray for better mixing and more complete combustion. The contours of the piston heads are machined after casting to ensure dimensional accuracy – essential for precise control of mixture motion and the compression ratio.
Deactivating cylinders to enhance fuel economy
Cylinder deactivation, also known as Active Fuel Management, is now standard on all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra 1500.
The new trucks make the most out of cylinder deactivation, with improved engine mounts, electronic throttle control, adaptive exhaust systems, improved aerodynamics, low-rolling resistance tires, and other technologies that help the engines operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods of time, further increasing efficiency.
“GM pioneered cylinder deactivation technology, and we consider it a great technology for improving the efficiency of full-size trucks,” said Lee.
The system uses oil pressure, controlled by the powertrain control module, to deactivate the lifters on selected cylinders, closing the valves for those cylinders. It deactivates four of the cylinders on the V-8 engines and two cylinders on the V-6 under light load conditions – operating the engines as a V-4 – and seamlessly reactivates the cylinders when the driver demands greater power. The transition takes less than 20 milliseconds and is virtually imperceptible.
“This is another great example of using a relatively simple mechanical system and powerful software to provide a real benefit to our customers,” said Lee.
2014 Silverado and Sierra EcoTec3 engines features and highlights
Proven truck engine designs:  Although the EcoTec3 engines for the 2014 Silverado and Sierra are all new – sharing just a handful of small parts with previous engines – they build on a foundation of more than 100 million Small Block engines and billions of real-world customer miles.
Engines based on the Small Block architecture are typically smaller and lighter than competitive engines with overhead camshafts, and typically have lower friction.  Although package size is usually not a concern with full-size pickups, lighter weight and lower friction can both contribute to improved efficiency.
Weight-saving aluminum engine blocks: For 2014, all three engines for the Silverado and Sierra use lightweight aluminum blocks with cast-in iron cylinder liners. The blocks were developed with math-based tools and data acquired in GM’s racing programs, providing a light, rigid foundation for a smooth and strong engine.
The deep-skirt block design helps maximize strength and minimize vibration. Cross-bolted main bearing caps are secured to the block with four main bolts and two cross bolts each. A structural aluminum oil pan further stiffens the bottom of the block. The result is an engine that is quieter, smoother and more dependable, even under the toughest conditions.
Advanced oiling system: The oiling system incorporates a new variable-displacement oil pump that enables more efficient oil delivery, based the engine’s operating conditions. Its dual-pressure control enables operation at a very efficient oil pressure at lower rpm, and then delivers higher pressure at higher engine speeds to provide a more robust lubrication.
Oil capacity has been increased to six quarts for the 4.3L V-6 and eight quarts for the V-8 engines.  All engines use GM’s Dexos oil for increased fuel efficiency and longer oil life, and V-8s are engineered to use 0W/20 oil to improve lubrication and reduce friction.
All trucks also feature GM’s oil life monitor, which better protects engines by recommending oil changes based on actual engine operating conditions and can save owners’ money by avoiding unnecessary oil changes.
Oil-jet piston cooling: At higher engine speeds, small jets spray oil on the underside of each piston. This helps reduce piston temperature, enabling the engine to maintain maximum horsepower and torque, and also reduces engine noise.
PCV-integrated rocker covers: New domed rocker covers house a patent-pending integrated positive crankcase ventilation system that enhances oil life, reduces oil consumption and reduces exhaust emissions. The domed sections of the covers contain baffles that separate oil and air from the crankcase gases, with about three times the oil/air separation capability of previous engines.
Exhaust manifolds: The exhaust manifolds were developed to improve durability and sealing and reduce operating noise. The cast iron manifolds feature saw cuts along their cylinder head mounting flange, which split the flange into three separate sections on the V-6 and four separate sections on the V-8s, allowing each section to move under extreme hot-cold temperature fluctuations to virtually eliminate movement of the exhaust manifold gaskets. That helps ensure proper sealing for the life of the engine and reduces the chance of gasket failure. The exhaust manifolds also feature triple-layer stainless steel heat shields, which limit heat transfer to the engine bay and help further reduce noise.
Cooling system, humidity sensor and more: Additional features and technologies of new Silverado and Sierra engines include:

• A revised cooling system with an offset water pump and thermostat for more efficient performance
• An air induction humidity sensor ensures optimal combustion efficiency, regardless of the surrounding air’s humidity
• All engines feature an engine-driven mechanical vacuum pump to enhance braking performance
• 58X ignition system with individual ignition coil modules and iridium-tip spark plugs
• All-new “E92” engine controller.

General Motors’ investment in the new EcoTec3 engine family will create or retain more than 1,600 jobs in five North American plants, including Tonawanda, New York, which recently received upgrades to support its production.

Source: [GM Media]

2013 Verano Continues Buick Five-Star Safety Streak

2013 Verano Continues Buick Five-Star Safety Streak

Compact luxury sedan achieves highest possible ratings in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests

DETROIT – The Buick Verano compact luxury sedan recently received a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Earlier this year, Verano was named a 2012 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Since the beginning of the 2012 model year, every Buick passenger car tested has received these highest possible ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.
“New car customers leaving a Buick dealership can drive away knowing they are in a vehicle with superior crash protection,” said Gay Kent, GM General Director of Vehicle Safety. “The brand’s long-running record of five-star overall vehicle scores and Top Safety Picks is a testament to our commitment to exceptional vehicle crash performance.”
In achieving the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, the Verano was tested under NHTSA’s revised New Car Assessment Program.  The overall score is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to evaluation for rollover resistance. Under the rating system, performances in three test segments are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”
The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar, a combination unmatched by any competitor. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for a longer period to provide additional protection.
Verano’s advanced body structure is comprised of more than 60 percent high-strength steel that provides a protective safety cage around occupants. Other safety measures include standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, panic brake override, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and a collapsible pedal system that reduces the risk of leg injury.
Every 2013 Verano comes with a standard Rear Vision Camera that displays a view from the car’s rear bumper whenever the transmission is in reverse. Verano is available with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. These two technologies share a set of radar sensors hidden in the corners of the rear bumper that may help drivers avoid crashes when changing lanes or backing.

Source: [GM Media]