I Love Graff Okemos: October 2015

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Driving Tips to Keep Neighborhood Streets Safe on Halloween

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Halloween might give some people the jitters, but for parents the most frightening thought that creeps through their minds is whether or not their trick-or-treating kids are safe. There are plenty of trick-or-treating safety tips parents should give their kids on Halloween, but families aren’t the only people who need to follow a few guidelines to prevent hazardous situations from occurring.

It’s also important for drivers to follow a few road rules to keep neighborhoods safe on this ghostly night. If you’re planning on getting behind the wheel on Oct. 31, follow these driving tips to keep neighborhood streets safe on Halloween night.

If possible, avoid driving in residential areas.

From a driver’s perspective, kids are difficult to spot on Halloween as they trick-or-treat from door-to-door and haphazardly sprint across streets. For some, driving on Halloween is inevitable, but unless you truly have some place to be we recommend not driving on residential streets during trick-or-treating time frames.

Drive slowly through neighborhoods.

Again, as drivers navigate neighborhoods on Halloween, it can be difficult for them to see kids who are out trick-or-treating. The safest way to drive through a neighborhood on Halloween is to drive slowly. Maintaining low speeds will give you time to become aware of your surroundings, and could give you that extra second you need to stop for a group of jaywalking kids.

Shine your brights on dark streets.

Shining your brights while driving on dark streets is another way you can keep neighborhoods safe on Halloween. It’s already difficult to see kids in dark costumes trick-or-treating along even on well-lit streets, so you can imagine how much more difficult it would be to see them on streets where the only sources of light are candles inside pumpkins. Shining your brights while in driving these areas will provide a much broader illuminated scope and give you better awareness.

Come to a full stop at stop signs.

We all need to admit we sometimes roll through a stop sign, though we don’t condone it. However, on Halloween you should seriously follow the law and come to complete stops at stop signs. Rolling through stop signs prevents you from thoroughly checking your surroundings. Coming to complete stops will give you time to look for kids crossing the street to continue their trick-or-treating.

Yield at all intersections.

Even if an intersection doesn’t require you to stop or yield, we recommend that drivers still reduce their speed and allow themselves ample time to scout their surroundings. Kids are hyped up about trick-or-treating on Halloween and tend not to observe the same pedestrian guidelines they normally would, such as stopping at intersections to look for cars. As an adult and a driver, it’s your job to secure kids’ and your own safety by staying aware, even when there aren’t any signs telling you to.

Driving on Halloween night is risky. Kids are out trick-or-treating and more than likely aren't paying attention to a set of headlights coming towards them from a block away. If you have to head out for a personal reason on Oct. 31, follow these driving tips to keep neighborhood streets safe on Halloween.

Our used car dealership near East Lansing, MI, is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you find a used car––simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

New 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Debuts in Lansing

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Since Chevrolet first made public its intentions to move production of its most popular muscle car from Canada to Lansing, it would be an understatement to say we were ecstatic. Now we’re seeing our community come to life after the new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro debuted in Lansing on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015.

The first three Camaros rolled off General Motors’ Lansing assembly line in the true fashion of America, sporting paint coats of red, white, and blue. The three pony cars are among 100 Camaros produced for consumers, as opposed to the pilot vehicles the plant has been manufacturing for testing purposes over the course of months leading up to the official launch.

The new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro’s debut in Lansing is in tow of the muscle car’s first time being produced in America since 1992, and the people of Michigan’s capital area could easily be the most excited to see its return. Over the summer, GM hired 450 new employees to cover the second shift at its Lansing plant in order to keep production alive and well as consumer demand for the sixth-generation Camaro continues.

But the all-new Camaro isn’t just notable for its return home and its job creation. Considering the performance and design specs it showcases, it’s no wonder the Camaro is already up for the 2016 North American Car of the Year Award, despite not even hitting lots like our Chevrolet dealer near Lansing, MI.

The sixth-generation Camaro speeds to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and travels a quarter of a mile in about 12 seconds. That’s not surprising considering the Camaro 1LT is built with a 2.0L 4-cylinder or 3.6L V6 engine, while the 1SS is built with a 6.2L V8 engine. When it comes to great design elements, drivers have the option of both models in either coupe or convertible styles.

The 2016 Camaro will be at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos in mid-November for you to test-drive, but don’t let that stop you from checking out our other new Chevys for sale near Lansing, MI. Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you –– simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Friday, October 23, 2015

Halloween Safety Tips for Your Trick-or-Treating Kids

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Going trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time without an adult is a classic benchmark all kids look forward to. But, naturally, this gives parents the creeps as they tend to feel they've lost yet another position of security over their kids' lives. It's nerve-racking witnessing your kids step into the night to go door-to-door for candy without you, but you can find comfort in these Halloween safety tips for your trick-or-treating kids that will help them understand how to be safe out there in the ghoulish world.

1. Stay Together

As the old adage goes, there's safety in numbers. This is the golden Halloween rule for your kids when they're trick-or-treating. Make sure your kids know the importance of staying together with a group of friends throughout the night. Remind them they should never venture off alone, even if they desire to go to a particular house that the rest of the group doesn't. At minimum, you could allow your kids to split off with another person if they wish to trick-or-treat on a side street that the rest of the group isn't interested in, but the best case scenario is that they stay with their larger group of friends.

2. Walk in Well-Lit Areas

Considering Halloween is the darkest holiday of the year––literally and figuratively––your kids should trick-or-treat on well-lit streets illuminated by street lamps and porch lights. Dark streets diminish your kids' situational awareness because they can't see as well, and these streets typically indicate there isn't as much activity occurring on them anyway. Dark streets are also a hazard because they make it difficult for drivers to see people walking along or crossing them.

3. Don't Enter Houses

Trick-or-treating is a door-to-door activity, so if an adult asks your kids to come inside for something it should be viewed as a red flag, unless your kids know the adult and know that you trust them. While it's unlikely that any of your neighbors have bad intentions, it's better not to give strangers the benefit of the doubt. Tell your kids to politely decline if someone asks them to enter a house, and make sure they aren't afraid to notify another adult who may be chaperoning their own kids on Halloween. In other situations, this rule might not apply as well. For instance, some neighbors may enjoy transforming their home or garage into a haunted maze kids have to walk through to reach a bowl of candy. If your kids see others participating in this, then it's probably fine for them to enter. However, we still recommend they acknowledge the presence of another adult first.

4. Set Boundaries

No parent wants to limit the amount of fun their kids have trick-or-treating on Halloween, but establishing boundaries for them to stay within is important. Your kids may want to traverse the entire square mile you live within, but limiting them to a specific number of particular neighborhood blocks allows you to have a better grasp on there whereabouts. This also keeps them more aware of their surroundings. When they reach a boundary––say it's a specific street––they'll remember your rule and have an understanding of where they are in proximity to you.

5. Set Check-In Times and a Curfew

Whether you want to require your kids to check-in at specific time or two while they trick-or-treat is up to you, but we suggest you still put in place a strict Halloween curfew to ensure your kids come home safe. The last thing you want is for it to be 10 p.m. and you're forced to go searching throughout the neighborhood for your kids, meanwhile worried sick that they could be lost or injured in some way. Save yourself from that anxiety and be solid in your expectations of when your kids should arrive home. While they may stomp their feet and pout now, one day they'll understand the importance of coming home at a reasonable time for the sake of their safety.

Every parent has their own opinions on what rules they should implement to ensure the security of their kids, but we strongly believe these Halloween safety tips for your trick-or-treating kids are some of the basic guidelines you can give your kids to make sure they still have fun and stay safe. It's also important for you, the parent, to stay safe when you're driving throughout the autumn season. Follow our advice for driving in the fall, and visit our Chevrolet dealer near East Lansing, MI, for more tips or to test-drive a new Chevy.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you –– simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

GM Integrates LG Corp. Technology Into 2017 Chevrolet Bolt

OKEMOS, Mich. –– There have been ostensible advancements in vehicle-technology integration over the course of just a few years, and now that General Motors is incorporating technology from LG Corp. into the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, this particular electric vehicle could set multiple new benchmarks in a rapidly evolving automotive industry.

GM has already touted the Chevy Bolt’s impressive driving range of 200 miles on one electric charge, as well as its affordable price projected at $30,000. But a partnership with LG Corp. has enabled GM to develop a litany of new technological features for the Bolt that will add additional value to the EV.

“Chevrolet needs to be disruptive in order to maintain our leadership position in electrification,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “By taking the best of our in-house engineering prowess established with the Chevrolet Volt and Spark EV, and combining the experience of the LG Group, we’re able to transform the concept of the industry’s first long range, affordable EV into reality.”

New technology GM and LG Corp. are integrating into the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt, include:

Electric Drive Motor
Power Invertor Module (converts DC power to AC for the drive unit)
On Board Charger
Electric Climate Control System Compressor
Battery Cells and Pack
High Power Distribution Module (manages the flow of high voltage to various components)
Battery Heater
Accessory Power Module (maintains low-voltage power delivery to accessories)
Power Line Communication Module (manages communication between vehicle and a DC charging station)
Instrument Cluster
Infotainment System

To produce the new components for the Bolt, LG Electronic Vehicle Components has invested $250 million into a facility located in Korea. GM will manufacture the Bolt itself at its plant in Orion Township starting in late 2016.

GM and Chevrolet are picking up the pace for new vehicle technology production, and the 2017 Bolt is a premier example of how they’re going about it. We can’t wait to put some of these new Chevy EVs on the lot at our Chevrolet dealer near Lansing, MI.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you –– simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Monday, October 12, 2015

GM Brings Car-Sharing Program to Ritzy NYC Residents

OKEMOS, Mich. –– After months of hinting at new ideas for improving transportation, including increased efforts with vehicle connectivity and autonomous driving innovations, General Motors will bring car-sharing to New York City residents.

For now, the new car-sharing program, called “Let’s Drive NYC,” will serve residents of The Ritz Plaza, an apartment building at Times Square in Midtown Manhattan and home to many affluent citizens.

“When GM approached us with their car-sharing program, we were excited to incorporate this innovative service to further enhance our residents’ lifestyle,” said Ofer Yardeni, chairman and CEO of Stonehenge, a company focused on bolstering community environments in Manhattan. “Owning a vehicle in New York City is expensive and inconvenient. GM’s Let’s Drive NYC car-sharing program delivers a valuable and sought-after amenity, and residents of The Ritz Plaza are taking full advantage of it.”

With GM’s new car-sharing program, residents will have another convenient transportation option in addition to New York’s subway system, buses, taxis, bikes, and walking. Owning and driving a vehicle in a large city like New York is more of a burden than a privilege, but with car-sharing that mode of transportation becomes more feasible as users aren’t faced with the dilemma of finding costly garage space or handling routine maintenance.

“Customers want options on how to move from Point A to Point B that provide flexibility and personalization,” said GM President Dan Ammann. “Let’s Drive NYC is just one part of GM’s global urban mobility strategy. We view evolving consumer preferences, such as car-sharing, as real business opportunities, where we can quickly build on our existing capabilities such as OnStar connectivity to very effectively meet customer needs.

To enhance the car-sharing program GM is bringing to New York residents, the automaker is providing a mobile app that allows residents to find parking at any of Icon Parking Systems’ 200 Manhattan garages. For now, residents will have the choice of driving one of the eight Chevrolet Trax SUVs or one of the two Chevrolet Equinox SUVs that currently make up the car-sharing fleet.

To drive the vehicles, GM gives residents electronic credits worth three hours of rental per month. After those three hours, residents have to pay $10 an hour or $75 every 24 hours. But those prices aren’t too bad when you think about the cost of owning a vehicle as opposed to renting one out a few days a week.

This isn’t necessarily a foray into car-sharing for GM. The automaker has tested programs before debuting “Let’s Drive NYC,” such as their program in Toronto for university students, or their partnership with Google in 2014 that was a commuter ride-sharing service with Chevrolet Spark EVs. This new car-sharing program in New York is evidently all of GM’s best ideas bundled into one streamlined service.

If all goes well with “Let’s Drive NYC,” we’re betting GM expands the program to other residents in the city, and other cities across the nation. For now, the rest of us will have to continue owning our vehicles, not that many people have an aversion to that reality anyway. Stop by our Chevrolet dealer near East Lansing, MI, to experience the performance of a new Chevy.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Help Rotary and the Gates Foundation End Polio Around the World

OKEMOS, Mich. –– Stop in at Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos and spare some change to help us aid Rotary and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in ending polio around the world as they move through the last phase of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

For every $25 raised, the Gates foundation will match it with $50 creating a total of $75 that will go towards providing equipment to help conquer polio in the remaining 1% of polio-endemic countries –– Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Your money will go towards one of three forms of aid, including:

150 Vests for Volunteers: Bright yellow vests help those seeking vaccination to recognize health workers and volunteers easily.
75 Vaccine Carriers: Oral polio vaccine must be kept cool to remain effective.
600 Purple Finger Markers: Children’s pinky fingers are marked with purple ink to show they’ve been immunized.

Poliomyelitis, more commonly referred to as polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that leads to paralysis, particularly with vulnerable young children who live in poor, remote countries without access to modern standards of hygiene or medical care. The most disheartening facts of polio are how easily it can be spread and that it has no cure; however, this egregious disease can be prevented by immunization; therefore, it’s time to get philanthropic.

While polio has decreased by 99% –– from 350,000 case since GPEI launched in 1988, to 223 cases in 2012 –– any decrease in funding for polio immunizations could quickly lead to the disease rebounding, causing 200,000 children to be paralyzed each year within a decade.

The 2013–2018 Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan is estimated to cost $5.5 billion and has raised funding commitments of $4 billion, leaving a commitment gap of $1.5 billion. If Rotary and the Gates Foundation are able to secure support from governments, nongovernmental organizations, corporations, and the public like you and our staff, GPEI could bring polio to a worldwide end.

Although the majority of us don’t have the capability or influence to change the world as drastically as Rotary and the Gates Foundation have with GPEI, each of our smaller efforts combined can help create a worldwide effect that prevents this disease from terrorizing anymore children and adults. Learn more about how you can help Rotary and the Gates Foundation end polio around the world here.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to making a difference in our community and beyond, whether it's by raising funds to aid international disease prevention efforts, or by providing you with integrity and convenience close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you –– simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!