Peltier Chevrolet was hit hard this week. Thieves stole wheels from 48 vehicles at the Chevy dealership in Tyler, Texas. In the early morning hours on Sunday August 21st, thieves broke in and stole $250,000 worth of new wheels and tires off 48 vehicles.

According to the Tyler Police Department, the thieves arrived in a large box truck and cut the locks on the dealership gates at around 1:22 a.m. Sunday morning. They then disabled the lot’s lighting system which left the lot’s video surveillance system useless in the dark.

Tyler Police estimate the theft took around four hours, leaving Camaros, Traverse crossovers and Silverado pickups on blocks and some sitting on the ground. The thieves obviously didn’t care for the lug nuts as those were left scattered on the ground.

This trend in theft has left many dealerships concerned for their inventory. Dealerships across the state have been hit hard by thieves stealing wheels from their lots.

John Roley Autocenter in Littlefield, Lamesa Chevy in Lamesa, Kelly Grimsley Cadillac in Odessa and Gene Messer Chevy in Lubbock, Texas have all had wheels stolen from their dealerships. Replacing those wheels and tires isn’t easy and most are adding wheel locks to help prevent further theft.

The post Thieves steal wheels from 48 vehicles at Chevy dealership in Tyler, Texas. appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Cadillac began shipping out the first-ever 2017 Cadillac XT5 (Crossover Touring 5), a comprehensively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The new XT5 Crossover is arriving at dealerships now.

The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics.

The new XT5 is more than 650 pounds lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, achieving this with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance. The completely new chassis and structure is lightweight, efficient package enables more space.

The interior design emphasizes clean modern elegance and craftsmanship combining the artistic integration of technology. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features 310-horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stop and start the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle.
Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system is featured in the new XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high dynamic range camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software which “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display.

The Cadillac CUE system for connectivity and control is upgraded for the XT5. The XT5 features an integrated wireless charger for mobile devices, with a slot designed into the center console. Like all Cadillac models in 2016, XT5 features 4G wireless connectivity, with an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simpler in-car phone integration.

In addition, XT5 features Cadillac’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages to aid vision and collision avoidance. These include automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist.

The post The New 2017 Cadillac XT5 Begins A New Series of Cadillac Luxury Crossovers appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Born in Ft. Pierce: The National Navy SEAL Museum is located in Ft. Pierce, Fla. because the Navy’s first Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT)—nicknamed “frogmen” for their swimming skills – trained on the museum grounds during World War II. (Photo by Preston Mack for the National Navy SEAL Museum)

May is National Military Appreciation Month, and Chevrolet is joining the National Navy SEAL Museum to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, particularly its special forces.

Chevrolet will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the all-new, Special Operations 2016 Chevrolet Silverado to benefit the Navy SEAL Museum and its foundation.

Although many know Chevrolet has supported the U.S. armed forces – and institutions such as the Navy SEAL Museum – for many years, most people don’t know:

Chevrolet’s Tradition of Military Support

• The Unlikely General: William Knudsen, president of Chevrolet and later General Motors, accepted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s request to lead U.S. war production efforts during World War II, giving up his $300,000 annual salary in 1940 (equivalent to more than $5 million today) to work for $1 per year in Washington. Knudsen became a U.S. Army Lieutenant General, and received the Distinguished Service Medal in 1944.
• The Arsenal of Democracy: As World War II began, Chevrolet and General Motors answered President Roosevelt’s call to build “An Arsenal of Democracy.” Between 1942 and 1945, Chevrolet manufactured 60,000 Pratt & Whitney bomber and cargo plane engines; 500,000 trucks; 8 million artillery shells; 3,000 90 mm cannon barrels; 1 million tons of aluminum forgings; 1 million tons of grey iron castings; 2,850 tons of magnesium forgings; and 3,800 T-17 Staghound armored scout cars.
• National Military Appreciation Month: May was selected as Military Appreciation Month because it has most days set aside for celebrating and commemorating our military’s achievements. These days include Loyalty Day, established in 1921; Victory in Europe (VE) Day, commemorating the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945; Armed Forces Day, created in 1949; Military Spouse Appreciation Day, established in 1984; and Memorial Day. Chevrolet is celebrating National Military Appreciation Month by expanding its Military Discount Program to include all 21 million military veterans, regardless of separation date. To learn more, visit ChevySalutes.com.

The National Navy SEAL Museum

• Born in Ft. Pierce: The National Navy SEAL Museum is located in Ft. Pierce, Fla. because the Navy’s first Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT)—nicknamed “frogmen” for their swimming skills – trained on the museum grounds during World War II.
• Not Always SEALs: The UDT teams were not known as SEALs until 1962, when President John F. Kennedy recognized their value and commissioned them as Sea Air Land Teams, again expanding their mission beyond their traditional role.
• The Naked Warriors: Because UDT teams went to battle wearing little more than swimming trunks, they were nicknamed “The Naked Warriors.” A statue in their likeness salutes their bravery at the museum.
• Saving Captain Phillips: In 2009, Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips – portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2013 film “Captain Phillips” — was held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia until U.S. Navy SEALs rescued him from the ship’s lifeboat. This lifeboat is on display at the museum.
• A Unique Memorial: The Navy SEAL Museum is the only memorial in the world dedicated to the UDT divers and Navy SEALs who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., their names are carved into black granite panels on the walls surrounding the sculpture of a modern Navy SEAL diver and its reflecting pool.
• More Than a Museum: Through its Trident House Charities program, the Navy SEAL Museum provides assistance to military families. The Trident House itself provides complimentary respite to the families of Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. The Navy SEAL Museum Scholarship Program provides assistance to children from the families of special operations forces as they pursue their education.
• Tools of the Trade: The UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The helicopter on display at the Navy SEAL Museum was donated by the “Night Stalkers” 160^th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). In 2012, it was used during an operation to rescue hostages Jessica Buchanan and Danish citizen Poul Hagen Thisted from pirates in Somalia.

The Special Operations Silverado – first revealed last fall as a concept vehicle – is based on the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 platform, and is available for sale throughout the U.S. For pricing and availability, visit Chevrolet.com or contact your local Chevrolet dealer.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

The post Military Appreciation Month: 10 Things You Didn’t Know appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

The Google Self-Driving Car Project and Fiat Chrysler announced today, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration, that they will integrate Google’s self-driving technology into all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to expand Google’s existing self-driving test program. This marks the first time that Google has worked directly with an automaker to integrate its self-driving system, including its sensors and software, into a passenger vehicle.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be used later this year for Google’s self-driving testing, more than doubling Google’s current fleet of self-driving test vehicles. Engineering responsibilities will be shared based on each company’s respective expertise. FCA will initially design and engineer around 100 vehicles uniquely built for Google’s self-driving technology. Google will integrate the suite of sensors and computers that the vehicles will rely on to navigate roads autonomously.

Both companies will co-locate part of their engineering teams at a facility in southeastern Michigan to accelerate the design, testing and manufacturing of the self-driving Chrysler Pacifica.

“FCA has a nimble and experienced engineering team and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan is well-suited for Google’s self-driving technology,” said John Krafcik, Chief Executive Officer, Google Self-Driving Car Project. “The opportunity to work closely with FCA engineers will accelerate our efforts to develop a fully self-driving car that will make our roads safer and bring everyday destinations within reach for those who cannot drive.”

Self-driving cars have the potential to prevent some of the 33,000 deaths that occur each year on U.S. roads, 94 percent of which are caused by human error. This collaboration will help FCA and Google better understand what it will take to bring self-driving cars into the world.

“Working with Google provides an opportunity for FCA to partner with one of the world’s leading technology companies to accelerate the pace of innovation in the automotive industry,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “The experience both companies gain will be fundamental to delivering automotive technology solutions that ultimately have far-reaching consumer benefits.”

Google’s self-driving cars are currently being tested in four U.S. cities. The self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans will be tested by Google’s self-driving car team on its private test track in California prior to operating on public roads.

The post Google and Fiat Chrysler ink deal to build self-driving Pacifica minivans for testing appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles decreased 4.7 percent in January for a total of 18,082 compared to 18,981 vehicles sold in January, 2015.

“As expected, January suffered a bit from the strong storms that froze large parts of the country,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America.  “In spite of the obstacles, the new BMW X1 showed extraordinary growth and our 7 Series and X3 set the momentum we expect to continue in the year ahead.”

Sales of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles gave a boost to January with the new BMW X1 leading the way, increasing 274.0 percent and the BMW X3 increasing 49.3 percent. In its third full month of sales, the new BMW 7 Series continued its upward momentum increasing 33.0 percent from January a year ago.

Search BMW vehicles in Lubbock, Midland and Odessa Texas

BMW Group Sales

In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported January sales of 21,320 vehicles, a decrease of 4.0 percent from the 22,209 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago.

MINI Brand Sales

For January, MINI USA reports 3,238 automobiles sold, an increase of 0.3 percent from the 3,228 sold in the same month a year ago.

Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC , January 2016

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

• In January, BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 8,212 vehicles, down 6.1 percent from January 2015.
• Total BMW Pre-Owned sold 13,743 vehicles in January 2016, a 5.6 percent decrease from January 2015.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles

• Sales of MINI NEXT (certified pre-owned) set a January record with 855 vehicles, up 0.7 percent over January 2015.
• Total MINI Pre-Owned sales for January were 1,853 cars, an increase of 1.9 percent from January 2015.

BMW Motorrad Sales

With business heavily impacted by inclement weather, sales of BMW motorcycles in January decreased 31.9 percent, to 450 motorcycles compared to the 661 sold in January 2015.

Table 2: Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, January 2016

The post BMW Group U.S. Reports January 2016 Sales Decrease appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 41,101 vehicle sales for January 2016, a one (1) percent increase over January 2015. These results continue the company’s sales momentum from 2015 where Subaru achieved seven consecutive years of record sales and exceeded 580,000 annual sales – a first in company history.

January marked the 23rd consecutive month of 40,000+ vehicle sales for the company. Forester, Legacy and Crosstrek sales were notably strong as each model line achieved its best January ever. Legacy sales for January 2016 increased 15 percent over the same month in 2015. BRZ also enjoyed gains over January 2015.

Six 2016 Subaru models, the Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, WRX and Crosstrek, recently earned Top Safety Pick+ honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with optional EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Subaru also earned Kelley Blue Book’s prestigious Best Resale Value Brand Award for the second consecutive year and four vehicle segment awards – Compact Car Category: 2016 Subaru Impreza; Sporty Compact Car Category: 2016 Subaru WRX; Mid-Size Car Category: 2016 Subaru Legacy; and Best Resale Value Top 10 Category: 2016 Subaru Forester.

SEARCH SUBARU LISTINGS ON TEXASAUTOGUIDE.COM

“Subaru of America closed calendar year 2015 strongly and recorded our seventh consecutive year of record sales so it is fantastic that our sales momentum is continuing into 2016 with the best January sales in our franchise’s history,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer. “Subaru is experiencing tight supply in the first quarter of 2016 and we expect this situation to improve as the year progresses.”

“Our retailers are doing a great job of welcoming more new customers to our brand along with supporting our industry-leading loyalty,” said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales. “Providing a great purchase and ownership experience is key to our growth and they continue to do just that.”

The post SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. REPORTS RECORD JANUARY SALES appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

The post FCA US LLC Reports January 2016 U.S. Sales Increased 7 Percent; Best January Sales Since 2007 appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Cadillac unveiled the first-ever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5,) an upgraded luxury crossover and the beginning of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever Cadillac XT5 premiered at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows and begins production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016.

The new crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace.

Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure.

Cadillac’s new crossover embodies the company’s expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 278 pounds lighter than the current SRX , and 100 pounds lighter than the Audi Q5 – despite the Cadillac being seven inches longer. The new XT5 is more than 650 pounds  lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, achieving this with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance.

Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 in. in the XT5, compared to the SRX. The rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft, as well.

New Cadillac interior design theme emphasizes space and craftsmanship

The Cadillac XT5 brings a new level of sophistication to showcase Cadillac’s evolving design language, recently seen on the upcoming CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence with proportions that convey the driving experience and the lightweight construction underneath the surface. There is a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.

“The Cadillac XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. “Our team continues to evolve the design language of Cadillac.”

The Cadillac XT5’s interior is based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

“We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,” said Smith. “This design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.”

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasizing efficient use of space.  Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

“Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter,” Smith said. “A feeling of space is the ultimate luxury, so we sought to emphasize that. We also use a greater variety of authentic materials and palette of colors to deliver expressive interiors in all trim levels.”

Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics

In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.

With an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stop and start the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle.

In China, the XT5 will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Powerful, yet compact, the 2.0T also features Stop/Start technology.

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and allows further use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the center console.

An optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system   continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems for connectivity and safety.

Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system debuts on the CT6 sedan and the XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high dynamic range camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software which “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display.

2017 Cadillac XT5 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

The post Cadillac XT5 Initiates New Series of Cadillac Luxury Crossovers appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Subaru of America, Inc. announced that all 2016 Subaru models, equipped with the optional EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology, met tougher criteria to earn the 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK award and the 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We asked auto manufacturers to do more this year to qualify for our safety awards, and they delivered,” says Adrian Lund, IIHS president. “For the first time, a good rating in the challenging small overlap front crash test is a requirement to win, in addition to an available front crash prevention system.”

The 2016 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, WRX and Crosstrek are six of only 48 vehicles that took home the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award by earning the highest possible rating of “Good” in all five crashworthiness evaluations and, when equipped with the optional EyeSight, achieving a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention.

“The rigorous testing by IIHS encourages manufacturers to continue building safer vehicles,” said Thomas J. Doll, president and chief operating officer, Subaru of America, Inc., “And I am proud of Subaru for consistently scoring their highest possible ratings. These awards represent our commitment to providing the highest level of safety standards to our customers.”

As of November 2015, Subaru of America, Inc. has broken its previous annual sales record of 513,693 vehicles set in 2014 and marked the company’s eighth year of sales growth and seventh successive sales record.

Sales in 2015 have been driven by the Forester, Outback and Crosstrek carlines. Combined, the three crossover vehicles now retail over 350,000 per year. Subaru sedans; Legacy, Impreza and WRX/STI, have also seen significant year-to-date increases.

To win a 2016 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must have a “Good” rating in all five tests of high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, and evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts as well as a “Basic” rating for front crash prevention. The same level of performance in those tests, along with an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention, is required for the higher accolade, 2016 Top Safety Pick+.

About the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses –deaths, injuries and property damage –from crashes on the nation’s roads.  For more information, visit iihs.org.

The post SUBARU EARNS SIX 2016 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK + AWARDS appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.

Midsize pickup rides new Duramax diesel engine to second consecutive award

The all-new Gen Six Chevrolet Camaro and the Chevrolet Colorado with its all-new 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine won the 2016 Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year awards on Monday night.

It is the second consecutive Truck of the Year award for Colorado, the mid-size pickup introduced as a 2015 model.

Motor Trend editors praised the Camaro for its lighter weight, which contributes to “world-class sports car performance and dynamics.”

The Colorado diesel offers the best fuel economy for a pickup truck in the United States, with an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated 31 mpg on the highway for two-wheel drive models, and the highest trailering capability in the midsize truck segment: up to 7,700 pounds (2WD) when equipped with the available trailering package.

Colorado is available in four-door extended or crew cab models with Work Truck, LT and Z71 trim levels. The diesel engine is offered in LT and Z71 Crew Cab models with 2WD or four-wheel drive. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and efficiency, and is SAE-certified at 181 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.

Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered on the 2016 Camaro, including a standard 2.0L Turbo and an available, all-new 3.6L V-6 in LT models, and the 455-hp LT1 6.2L V-8 in the SS – making it the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Vehicle mass has been reduced between 223 and 390 pounds, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience. A dramatic, sculpted exterior accentuates the leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the new Camaro’s exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency.

Both the Camaro, which won Motor Trend Car of the year in 1982, and Colorado are well-connected, offering Chevrolet MyLink with phone integration capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

About MOTOR TREND:

MOTOR TREND^®, a media brand of TEN: The Enthusiast Network, was founded in 1949 and is internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in the automotive category. The MOTOR TREND brand is comprised of  Motor Trend Magazine; the award-winning website MOTORTREND.com; MOTOR TREND Auto Shows; MOTOR TREND Audio; MOTOR TREND en Espanol; MOTOR TREND India; and the renowned MOTOR TREND Car of the Year, SUV of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Best Driver’s Car awards programs.

The post Chevrolet Camaro and Colorado Win Motor Trend 2016 Car and Truck of the Year appeared first on Texas Auto Guide.