Today's date, Jan. 2, is a significant date in American history. Many events happened on this date over the years that have had much social and societal impact.
It seems fitting that we take today to tell you about significant news regarding General Motors and Hendrick Durham Auto Mall and the vehicles they build and sell. Perhaps the information will have a positive impact on you as you enter 2015 with your transportation needs in mind.
First, a look back:
Jan. 2, 1945 - The University of Kentucky men's basketball team started an incredible 130-game home-game winning streak that stretched all the way into 1955.
Jan. 2, 1960 - John F. Kennedy announced his candidacy for the Presidency.
Jan. 2, 1965 - The New York Jets of the National Football League signed Joe Namath out of the University of Alabama to be their quarterback. He later famously guaranteed victory in his first Super Bowl appearance and delivered on the promise.
Jan. 2, 1974 - President Nixon signed into law the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, setting a new national maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour. The act was intended to force Americans to drive at a fuel-efficient speed and curb the U.S. appetite for foreign oil. But people showed they preferred driving fast to conserving fuel, and Congress repealed the act in November of 1985.
Jan. 2, 1990 - Alan Hale, Sr., who played "Skipper" on the popular sitcom "Gilligan's Island," died of cancer at the age of 71.
That brings us to today, when we share with you the announcement of several significant GM awards in the realm of safety and value.
Spark, Volt, Equinox Top Safety Picks
The 2015 Chevrolet Spark, Volt, Malibu and Equinox have been named 2015 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Picks.
The designation goes to models that achieve an acceptable rating in the challenging small overlap front test – introduced in 2012 – and a good rating in each of the Institute’s four other crashworthiness evaluations: moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.
IIHS is a nonprofit organization wholly supported by auto insurers. For 2015, the number of models earning the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards rose from 39 to 71 compared to a year ago.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world's largest car brands, selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year.
The Hendrick Durham Auto Mall sold an average of about 52 Chevrolets a month in 2014, with the Equinox leading the way. Sales of the Equinox continue to grow year over year becauuse of its value and safety.
Canyon Named Top Truck For 2015
GMC Canyon has been named Autoweek’s best truck for 2015. Editors praised the all-new premium midsize truck for its design, utility, features and "perfect size."
Autoweek’s annual Best of the Best awards are based on the evaluations of eight vehicle finalists selected for their performance, design, build quality, value and significance. A three-day test session at Michigan International Speedway by the editors determined the awards, which include one car and one truck.
"Of the hundreds of vehicles Autoweek tests each year, only a relative few truly stand out from the rest," said Autoweek editor Wes Raynal. "The GMC Canyon is not only one of the best new vehicles on the market, it’s one of the most important, signaling an exciting return to the mid-sized truck segment."
Canyon, on sale now at the Hendrick Durham Auto Mall, starts at $21,880. It comes in three trim levels, Base, SLE and SLT, with extended cab and crew cab body styles.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902. The brand has evolved to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover
Barra Named Forbes' 'Crisis Manager Of Year'
Fortune Magazine has named GM CEO Mary Barra "Crisis Manager of the Year."
Barra took over GM in January of 2013 with celebrity-like media coverage, ranging from lifestyle magazines to auto tabloids.
"Over the past year Barra has presided over perhaps the most challenging time in the automaker's 106-year history," Fortune’s Ben Geier wrote about why Barra is Crisis Manager of the Year.
Barra was announced as Dan Akerson’s successor last December. She started as CEO on Jan. 15. Prior to leading the company, she was executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, and held several other executive, engineering and staff positions.
