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Chevy launches Daytona delivery program with on-track driving

Talk about a dealer incentive: Buy a new Chevy and then shake it down at Daytona International Speedway. Chevy announced plans Thursday to launch a delivery program that will allow customers to pick up their new vehicles and then drive on the iconic 57-year old circuit. It will start later this year on 2017 models and includes a tour of the speedway, a keepsake of the event, and documentation that the car was driven at Daytona. The delivery center will be on the infield near victory lane. Chevy already offers a similar program that allows enthusiasts to get their new Corvettes at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. That costs $990, which is around the estimated price point for the Daytona delivery plan. "Select Chevy models," will be part of the program, spokesperson Afaf Farah said, "but the intent is to offer across a wide array of vehicles." It won't be a limited to a specific number, and Chevy will meet customer demand, she said. Daytona recently received a $400 million-facelift that had been ongoing since July 2013. It now seats 101,500 and has more restrooms and concessions. It was shown off in January at the Rolex 24 and will command a larger spotlight this weekend at the Daytona 500. Take a Spin in Your New Chevy at Daytona International Speedway DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Have you ever wondered what it is like to drive on the track at the famed Daytona International Speedway? If you buy a new Chevrolet, your dealer will be able to offer you that opportunity. Chevrolet and DIS today announced an exclusive delivery experience at the Speedway. This extra cost option will be available later this year through U.S. Chevrolet dealers on select new vehicle orders. While details are still being finalized, customers who order the option can expect: • A tour of Daytona International Speedway • An on-track driving experience • A keepsake to commemorate the experience • Authentication that the vehicle was delivered and driven at the Speedway "Chevrolet is committed to offering our customers the best overall vehicle ownership experience possible – starting with the most technologically advanced and most dynamic vehicles in the brands history," said Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America and leader of Global Chevrolet.

GM recalling 250,000 SUVs over door electronics

After a door-fire investigation that dates back to February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially announced a recall today that affects around 250,000 General Motors SUVs for a faulty driver's door module. The recall applies to the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X from the 2006 and 2007 model years, as well as the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL for vehicles sold and/or registered in the Snow Belt.
Road salt use in these midwestern and northern states can lead to corrosion of the driver's door module on these GMT360 and GMT370 vehicles, which allows water to come in contact with the circuit board. If shorted out, the vehicle's power door locks and power windows will not work, and could possibly lead to overheating and, in some circumstances, a fire. No official word on how many total vehicles caught on fire, but back in June, 28 fires had been reported to the government agency. A fix for the problem is still being worked out, but all affected vehicle owners will be notified by GM.
Scroll down for the official NHTSA statement.

Who sold the most heavy-duty pickups in 2012? PickupTrucks.com investigates

Domestic manufacturers enjoyed a good year for heavy-duty pickup sales in 2012. PickupTrucks.com has taken a close look at exactly how those sales broke down between each manufacturer and between three-quarter and one-ton pickups. Ford sold some 67,786 F-250 Super Duty models last year with the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD falling just behind at 56,359 units. The Ram 2500 HD came in third at 41,918, while the GMC Sierra 2500 HD earned itself fourth place with 27,616 deliveries. While Ford held onto the top spot in the one-ton market, Ram easily nailed down second place by selling more 3500 HD models last year than General Motors sold Silverado 3500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD trucks combined.
So, did GM manage to sell more trucks than Ford with its two brands? Very nearly. Ford sold a total of 119,338 heavy-duty pickups to GM's 111,555. Ram, meanwhile, moved a distant 77,583. But perhaps more interesting is the diesel take rate in this segment. PickupTrucks.com says 80 percent of all domestic one-ton trucks roll from the dealer lot with a turbo-diesel under the hood. Head over to the site for a closer look at the breakdown.