Technologies Make Chevrolet Impala, SUVs Family Friendly

Judges praise their safety, comfort and versatility in latest rankings

Pack up the family and your peace of mind – the Chevrolet Impala sedan and Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs were recently recommended for families in new rankings by Kelley Blue Book and U.S. News & World Report.

Impala and Tahoe are among Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 15 Best Family Cars of 2015, and Impala and Suburban were selected among U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Cars for Families.

It is the second consecutive year Impala has made both lists, while the Tahoe and Suburban were completely redesigned for 2015.

All three Chevrolet models offer crash-avoidance technologies that use cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensor technology to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions with a vehicle they are following, blind spot-caused sideswipes, parking lot rear backup collisions and more.

Impala was the first Chevrolet model with available Front Automatic Braking, which can apply the brakes when the forward-looking radar-based system may see a crash situation before the driver does. At lower speeds, the technology may help avoid the crash, while at higher speeds, it can help reduce crash severity and injury. Front Automatic Braking is also offered on Tahoe and Suburban.

The Tahoe and Suburban are also available with the GM-patented Safety Alert Seat. Like a smartphone, the driver can select vibrating rather than beeping alerts that intuitively “tap” them on the left, right, or both sides of the seat bottom to help direct their attention to a possible crash situation detected by the vehicle’s sensors.

“Chevrolet puts families first, with cars, trucks and SUVs that provide the latest safety technologies and crash protection at a value,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet and president, GM North America. “It’s why Chevrolet was the most-awarded car company in 2014 and is driving toward another year of strong recognition.” 

KBB.com judges evaluated comfort and driving, safety features and crash test scores, ease of child safety and booster seat fitment, cargo space and available features such as camera systems and the ease and adaptability of fold-down seats.

Judges called Impala a “very modern take on the classic full-size family sedan” and cited Tahoe as a “family workhorse freshly updated for 2015.”

U.S. News & World Report combined professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features. Within each of 19 categories, the vehicle with the highest composite score was named the Best Car for Families in that category.

Impala was selected the best Large Car and Suburban the best Large SUV.

For additional family enjoyment, the Chevrolet Impala, Tahoe and Suburban also offer OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that supports up to seven mobile devices.

Visit Kupper Chevrolet in Mandan to test drive one of these family-friendly vehicles today. 

Pack Mentality: Chevrolet’s Tips for Traveling with a Pet

Michael Morgan of Seattle has a very simple rule when it comes to travel: If his dog Myles, a 25-pound Puggle, isn’t welcome, neither is he.

The 35-year-old real estate investment executive is among the 62 percent of Americans who own at least one pet, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and thanks to the collective $50 billion they spend annually on their four-legged family members, destinations once off limits now welcome well-behaved pets.

In fact, a study last year by AAA and a major hotel chain revealed more than half of U.S. dog and cat owners said they take their cats and dogs when they travel.

So whether it’s a scenic color tour or a holiday sojourn to relatives, it’s reigning cats and dogs in Chevrolets this fall.

Before you go, there are some things to consider, according to PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill shelter, and other pet experts.

Traveling with dogs

Not all canines can handle road trips, so it’s best to take a few practice runs before a major journey.

• Restrain dogs during car trips for their safety and yours. Some states require this. Options include restraints, pet carriers and cargo barriers. The Chevrolet Equinox’s spacious cargo area can accommodate a good-size pet carrier and consumers can find specialized pet restraints for use in rear seats. Never let a pet ride in front because it could be seriously injured or killed if an air bag deploys.
• As with children, never leave any pet alone in the car. On a warm, sunny day, even with the windows open, a parked vehicle can become dangerously hot in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, pets can experience hyperthermia. Furthermore, unattended pets can be stolen. If you see a pet in distress, Equinox owners with active OnStar can alert the authorities or animal control.
• For dogs with anxiety issues or who bark a lot, try a chew treat to keep them occupied. Chewing and licking are very soothing to dogs, and may help yours relax. The optional cargo organizer in the Equinox has space for toys and treats, as do the multiple storage pockets in the doors.
• Identify dog-friendly restaurants, hotels and dog parks on your travel route. For OnStar subscribers, an advisor can help locate pet-friendly establishments.
• Some people snacks – like chocolate – can be fatal to dogs. If your dog gets into something dangerous, OnStar can connect you with Poison Control or send you to the nearest emergency vet.

Once you get to your destination, there is another important step to ensure your dog’s safety.

“Make sure you keep your dog on a leash while they explore your new destination,” says Joan L. Harris, PAWS Chicago director of training and canine behavior. “Even a well-trained dog may feel out of place until they are comfortable in a new location.”

Before the fur flies

Here are some prep steps to help ensure a great trip.

• Make sure your pet is current on vaccinations and, depending on where you’re headed, get additional ones to protect against new threats such as canine Lyme disease. Find and program the number of a 24-hour emergency vet. That way, he or she is no more than a voice command away, thanks to the Equinox’s available MyLink infotainment system when paired with a compatible mobile device.
• In case you become separated from your pet, carry a current photo. A microchip is also a good idea, as well as a collar with a cell number. Never allow your dog to leave the vehicle without the collar, ID tag and leash.

Traveling with cats

Scratch these items off the list before you travel with felines:

• Use a pet carrier or cargo barrier. Unrestrained pets can be injured in a crash or pose a risk of injury to other vehicle occupants.
• Familiarize your car by allowing your cat to cheek rub and spread its scent.  Or try placing a bed, blanket or a towel inside the car.
• Consider packing a portable litter box, collapsible food and water bowls and feline first aid kits. An old scratching post you won’t mind discarding can also help keep cats calm.
• To help prevent dehydration, especially on summer trips, try freezing a bowl of water that cats can lick to keep cool. It is a less messy option for traveling with water.  ​

If your pet can’t join you, a rear passenger can video chat back home or to the kennel, courtesy of the available built-in OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connection in the 2015 Equinox. Up to seven compatible devices can connect to the 4G LTE connection at one time, allowing the entire family to check in. Stop by Kupper Chevrolet in Mandan & test drive a 2015 Equinox today. With our November lease special of $356/mo., it's sure to please the whole family (fur members and all). 

2015 Chevrolet Colorado ‘Build Your Own’ Site Goes Live

Customers can tailor midsize pickup for their wants and needs

Consumers can customize their brand-new, 2015 Chevrolet Colorado – available at dealers this fall – with a “Build Your Own” tool.

“Our truck lineup is all about giving truck buyers choice,” said Tony Johnson, Colorado marketing manager. “With the Build Your Own site, Colorado customers can equip their truck, request a quote from the dealer and even get a price on their trade-in.”

The Colorado base extended-cab model with a standard 200-horsepower, 2.5L four-cylinder engine starts at $20,995 including destination charge. The 305-horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine adds $1,220 and a 6-speed automatic adds $650. The customization goes from there. Sample builds include:

Towing: Colorado 4WD Crew Cab Short Box LT with a 3.6L V6 engine ($32,960) with automatic locking rear differential ($325) and Z82 trailering package ($250), Total suggested retail price: $33,535.

Mountain biking: Colorado 4WD Crew Cab Long Box Z71 ($35,290) with the GearOn™ Cross rails tiered storage system and moveable tie-down rings ($395), all-weather floor mats ($160) and spray-in bedliner ($475). Total suggested retail price: $36,320.

Commuting: Colorado 2WD Crew Cab Short Box LT ($27,985) with tri-fold tonneau cover ($595), spray-in bedliner ($475), the GearOn™ divider system and moveable tie-down rings ($495). Total suggested retail price: $29,550.

Regardless of what they build, all Colorado owners can stay connected with OnStar 4G LTE WiFi with a three-month or three-gigabyte trial, whichever comes first. Afterward, the Colorado's built-in Wi-Fi hotspot costs as little as $5 per month.

Editors’ Note: The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price includes destination freight charge but excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.

Visit the Kupper Chevrolet website or visit us on the lot in Mandan to find out more about the all-new Chevrolet Colorado.