Chevrolet News and Events
Please call today: 01406 330265
February 2012
Motability Date For Your Diary - Tuesday 20th March
All Motability customers past, present & future are invited to meet our Motability Sales & Service Teams on Tuesday 20th March.
Come and view the stunning New Chevrolet range in the comfort of our extensive showroom with some fantastic specification vehicles available at Nil Advance Payment.
We will have cars available for test drive, just bring along your driving licence for insurance purposes.
Visit our Motability page to see the range available CLICK HERE
February 2012
See The New Aveo & Cruze Hatchback At Serpentine Green, 20th-26th February.
We will be displaying the superb new Chevrolet Aveo & Cruze 5dr Hatchback at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, Hampton, Peterborough from Monday 20th February to Sunday 26th February.
The Aveo is our newest model available with 1.2 & 1.4 petrol engines or a 1.3CDTi Turbo diesel, with combined fuel consumption of up to
85.6mpg on the extra urban cycle and a combined figure of 78.4mpg. With emissions of only 95g/km this gives you free road tax. Prices start at £9,995
The Cruze hatchback was launched towards the end of 2011 and follows the highly acclaimed 4 door saloon version that has won back to back World Touring Car Championship titles over the last 2 years. Priced from £12,995
February 2012
Better Than 0% Finance Now Available!!
WH Brand Chevrolet can now offer you a finance package that saves you more than 0%.
How can we do this? If you purchase any car from us then you qualify for discounts at 100's of stores, including 5% off all of your shopping at Morrison's and Sainsbury's including fuel at their filling stations. If you are paying £1.30p per litre that is a saving of 6.5p per litre on fuel alone, or a saving of 7p per litre if you are paying £1.40 per litre.
Add to this 5% off your groceries ( a saving of another £20 per month or £240 per year if you spend £100 per week) and you can see that you are easily able to save more than the interest charged on your finance agreement.
On top of this there are 100's of other savings available.
Call our sales team on 01406 330265 for more information.
January 2011
WH Brand Chevrolet 1st Camaro Dealer in the UK.
W H Brand Chevrolet are proud to announce that we are the first Chevrolet Retailer in the UK, our Camaro's are ordered and arrive
early in 2012.
See our Camaro page more details. CLICK HERE
January 2012
Chevrolet Europe elected COMPANYBEST 2011
Chevrolet Europe was voted COMPANYBEST 2011 by a jury of leading automotive journalists from 15 Central and Eastern European countries.
"There is no better moment to declare Chevrolet Europe our 'COMPANYBEST' winner. The centennial of this legendary brand reminds us how important it has been for the motoring landscape. To be the top-selling brand in the history of the automobile is something fabulous," said Ilia Seliktar, President of AUTOBEST.
"The performance of Chevrolet Europe is outstanding. Not only did we see unprecedented growth in sales in recent years, but also a giant leap in terms of the brand's image in Europe. We also want to seize the opportunity to praise Wayne Brannon's leadership in all these years", Seliktar stated.
"We are honoured to have received this very special award by a jury of accomplished automotive journalists", said Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "This year was unique with seven new cars launched. We now offer customers even more choice, expressive design and value for money."
This year saw Chevrolet win several awards and ratings of excellence, including five top safety ratings from EuroNCAP. The Volt, Chevrolet's extended range electric vehicle, single-handedly won a host of prizes throughout 2011.
These include the North American Car of the Year award, World Green Car of the Year, AUTOBEST’s green award ECOBEST and Switzerland's Car of the Year 2012 award. The Volt was also named Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned five-star ratings from both EuroNCAP and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program.
December 2011
Jason Plato Bumper To Be Auctioned For Charity
We will soon be auctioning a Chevrolet Cruze British Touring Car front bumper used by Jason Plato during the 2011 BTCC season. It has been signed by Jason Plato and RML Chevrolet team mate Alex MacDowall.
Kindly donated by the RML Chevrolet Team, the auction will be in aid of Cancer Research UK & will be listed on our EBay Store.
More details will be shown here as soon as the Auction starts.
December 2011
Follow W H Brand Chevrolet on Twitter.
Our Twitter account is now live so log in and give us a tweet, tell us all the good things about W H Brand & your Chevrolet.........and don't forget to follow us!! Look for whbrandchevrolet or Tweet us @brandchevrolet
December 2011
WH Brand Ebay Store Now Open
We have now opened our new Ebay Store for your parts and accessory requirements. More stock will be loaded as we move into 2012 so please keep visiting to see our latest additions.
Click on the following link and have a browse;
December 2011
WH Brand Technician wins Technician of the Year 2011
Chevrolet Rewards Excellence with BTCC Top Technician Award
Completion of a comprehensive training programme and a passion for customer service has seen WH Brand Chevrolet aftersales technician, Luke Parlett named Chevrolet Top Technician 2011.
Following an extensive judging process, which
included initial nominations from dealers, service
managers and aftersales managers, five regional
winners were announced in Autumn 2011.
Each of the shortlisted technicians won the opportunity to work with the highly trained Chevrolet motorsport crew at RML. Finalists were able to demonstrate their technical skills by helping the RML team prepare the Chevrolet British Touring Cars, for all important Sunday races.
The final selection process was overseen by Chevrolet’s National Aftersales Manager, Jennie Chinn and
included feedback from the RML team as well as recommendations from Chevrolet’s Managing Director,
Mark Terry.
Speaking of the Top Technician Award, Ms Chinn said: “Chevrolet runs an extensive training programme
for all its aftersales managers and technicians to ensure that we are able to provide the very highest levels
of technical expertise and customer satisfaction. Luke has excelled at all of the courses in which he has
taken part and has consistently shown the highest level of dedication to customers.”
Luke has been a technician for 12 years and has
been working at W H Brand Chevrolet for eight of
those. He has completed both bronze and silver
level Chevrolet training courses, which include
modules on customer service, workshop
methods, vehicle electronics and diagnostic tools.
Luke will receive a VIP track day to one of the Palmersport circuits, a £250 voucher towards a selection of Silverline tools and a £250 voucher for the whole W H Brand service team to spend on a night out of their choice.
Top Technician Luke Parlett accepts his award from The WH Brand Team.
National Aftersales Manager Jennie Chinn
December 2011
Muller, Menu Take Delivery Of Their Camaro Cabriolets, Huff Opts For The Coupe
Yvan Muller and Alain Menu took delivery today of their personal Camaro Cabrio, in Schwyz, at the occasion of the annual meeting of Chevrolet dealers from Switzerland, the birth country of Louis Chevrolet.
The new Camaro Cabrio, which revives one of the most iconic American sportscars of all times, was presented in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show last September, and the three Chevrolet WTCC drivers fell in love with it! While Yvan has chosen a Carbon Flash 45th Anniversary Edition, Alain has opted for a Summit White one. Rob Huff, who will soon take delivery of his unit as well, has chosen a Camaro Coupé, maybe thinking about weather in the UK…
Alain Menu is also news these days for other excellent reasons. The Swiss driver has lent his enthusiastic support to the “Nez Rouge” (Red Nose, in French) initiative, promoted by “Anges de la Route” (Road Angels), a Geneva-based NGO, which organizes free lift-to-home services during week-ends and festive periods. This road safety initiative, similar to what exists in many countries, is aimed at preventing people who go out to enjoy the evening from driving back home after having consumed alcohol. Alain has volunteered, both as a ambassador and a driver for the campaign and therefore, next Saturday night, some of his Geneva fellows will have the privilege to be brought back to their home’s doorstep by one of the most acclaimed WTCC drivers!
“I’m very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to this campaign”, says Alain. “Road safety is of the utmost importance, especially at the approach to the festive season, and we should all remember that drinking and driving should never be combined.”
With this in mind, we wish all of you a very happy Festive Season and all the best.
- QUOTES
Yvan Muller: " It’s not a secret that I am a fan of American cars and bikes. As soon as I have seen the new Camaro Cabrio, I decided I wanted one to replace my previous « muscle car ». I really wanted a V8-powered cabrio to cruise around the Leman Lake ! "
Alain Menu: " When I saw the car for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show, I just ordered the same one as the one on display ! My kids, and especially my youngest daughter who always wanted to be driven in a cabrio, will be excited! "
Rob Huff : " For me, a V8, 430-hp car needs to have a roof and a manual gearbox! I adore the car’s design and think that the anthracite aluminum wheels give it a perfect extra touch of personality ! "
Eric Nève: " To see our three drivers driving Camaros reminds me of some years ago, when our then drivers decided to purchase a Corvette Z06. The three are excellent Chevrolet ambassadors and I am sure that they’ll enjoy travelling around with their Camaros !"
December 2011
Full Chevrolet Squad Awarded Their WTCC Trophies At FIA Gala In Delhi
Having reconfirmed their respective Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ WTCC titles, Chevrolet and Yvan Muller were, for the second year in a row, among the honored manufacturers, teams and drivers at the yearly FIA Prize-giving gala, which this year took place in New Delhi, India, at the conclusion of the FIA World Council.
Still, the Chevrolet delegation was larger this year, as Rob Huff and Alain Menu completed the top three in the Drivers’ championship and collected their well-deserved trophies. Eric Nève received the Manufacturers’ trophy on behalf of Chevrolet, and Ray Mallock represented the RML team.
To mark the second double WTCC title, a “World Champions 2011” video clip has been released, which makes an account, in little more than 2 minutes, of the sensational 2011 campaign, which has seen the Cruzes take 21 out of24 wins and all (12) pole positions at stake.
December 2011
New Chevrolet Facebook app makes dreams happen
- New 'Make it Happen' app and competition launched
- Chevrolet helps Facebook fans' dreams come true with competition
Facebook app screenshot
With everything from parties to Christmas shopping, December is a great time to catch up with friends and family you've been meaning to see for ages.
If you've been busy all year and need a little nudge in the right direction, Chevrolet wants you to stop dreaming about it and 'Make It Happen'! The fun new Facebook application hopes to transform their fans' dreams into a festive reality.
The Facebook application allows fans to gather friends and family online, create a dream event and include images and content associated with their relationship history. These entertaining steps will show the friends and family what they're missing and encourage them to grab every opportunity that presents itself.
"Chevrolet's DNA is all about the spirit of optimism and opportunity," says Wayne Brannon, President of Chevrolet Europe. "The 'Make it Happen' app is an exciting new part of our brand campaign launched earlier this year to empower fans to take some of Chevrolet's 'can-do-spirit', thereby making the most of every day and opportunity."
Anything is possible with Chevrolet
The app goes live today in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the U.K. The app works in a similar way to arranging an event on Facebook, but it does all the hard work for the user. Simply drag and drop the friends to be invited, suggest an activity (going to the cinema, a restaurant, a coffee or 'other'), suggest a date & time and Chevrolet makes it happen!
And for one lucky Chevrolet Facebook fan, their event will be supported with a prize of £1,000 towards the cost of their dream day out.
"Whether you've always wanted to re-connect with long lost school friends, help someone celebrate a significant birthday like we have this year, or re-connect with a family member you haven't seen for years – Chevrolet will make it happen" added Wayne Brannon.
Make it Happen is the Chevrolet's brand campaign and tagline for Europe in the brand's centennial year, supporting the market introduction of seven new cars in 2011. The campaign has been launched in several European countries and is visible in many channels: TV, print, outdoor, online, dealer marketing and relationship marketing. The app will be promoted as part of a wider online campaign across interactive display advertising, Facebook adverts and contextual targeting, across seven markets.
"Chevrolet's app is a fun way to catch up with friends you haven't seen for ages so we're offering a great chance for people to stop dreaming and make it happen this festive season," concludes Wayne Brannon.
To create your event, go to Chevrolet's Facebook page, chevroletmakeithappen.com
November 2011.
Looking back – to the future… Chevrolet celebrates 100 years
- Iconic American brand celebrates its centenary
- Monument to be built in Louis Chevrolet’s birthplace
- Volt to participate in Future Car Challenge
A century not out! Iconic American car brand Chevrolet is 100 years old as of November 3rd, after marking its centenary with one of its busiest years on record.
As well as launching six new cars across Europe – the Orlando, Cruze Hatch, New Aveo, Camaro, Volt and Corvette Grand Sport, the company is to mark its 100th birthday in the UK by entering the Chevrolet Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) in the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge, driven by the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Paul Everitt, and Autocar journalist Hilton Holloway
.“We’ve a proud heritage that we feel we should celebrate in the most appropriate way,” said Chevrolet UK Managing Director, Mark Terry. “And that’s by demonstrating exactly where 100 years of progress has led us to – a pioneering triumph of engineering that represents the future. The Volt is the most credible, usable and real-world electric car yet and is true to the principles of Chevrolet, building great looking vehicles that are good to drive, yet are still real cars for real people.
”The Brighton to London future car challenge takes place on the eve of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, illustrating over a century of progress in the motor industry. It will provide spectators with an early opportunity to see a production specification Volt, which goes on sale in the UK in March 2012 priced at £28,545 (including the government’s £5,000 low-carbon car grant).
On a pan-European level Chevrolet, which has enjoyed its best ever market share in Europe through 2011, will mark the centenary with a special sculpture, to be permanently on display in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – the birthplace of its founder Louis Chevrolet.
A competition among four teams of renowned artists will determine who creates the artwork. In March 2012, the winning design will be selected by a jury including representatives from La Chaux-de-Fonds and Chevrolet as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and the president of Switzerland's Federal Arts Commission.
The sculpture will serve as a permanent landmark, reminding visitors to La Chaux-de-Fonds (a UNESCO world cultural site) of one of the city's most famous sons, and of course the brand that bears his name.
Swiss émigré and daredevil racing driver Louis Chevrolet and American industrialist Billy Durant founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in Detroit, U.S.A. on November 3, 1911.
One hundred years and more than 209 million cars and trucks later, Chevrolet is the world's fourth largest car brand in terms of annual sales, with more than 4 million cars and trucks sold in 2010 in more than 130 countries. Loosely translated, someone in the world buys a Chevrolet about every 7 seconds.
Today the Chevrolet bow-tie continues to represent a youthful, pioneering spirit, confidently expressive design, and uncompromising durability. These qualities can be seen in the whole new line-up including the Chevrolet Cruze, winner of the World Touring Car Championship twice in a row, and the award-winning Chevrolet Volt.
"2011 has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the iconic successes of the past," said Wayne Brannon. "As we enter our second century, we will continue to be inspired by Louis Chevrolet and his personal motto, 'Never give up!'"
October 2011
Camaro is next ‘hot’ model
- Chevrolet Camaro and supermodels share milestone anniversary
- Birthday celebrated by 1.9million people around the world
What one thing does supermodel Cindy Crawford, Halle Berry and the Chevrolet Camaro have in common? Aside from the fact that they are worshipped and idolized by millions around the world, have timeless and sultry good looks and have graced magazine front covers and fronted film premieres alike, they’re all turning 45-years-old.
As desirable supermodels go, Chevrolet’s Camaro is in great company, along with actress Halle Berry and film stars Keifer Sutherland and John Cusack, who are all 45 this year.
Camaro has a dedicated cult following of Hollywood A-List stars from actors Brad Pitt and Sylvester Stallone, who have recently been spotted behind the wheel of the latest 2011 models, to Pro Skater Josh Kalis and nu metal guitarist Brian Welch from Korn.
“As a style icon, Camaro is timeless, influencing fashion and film across the years. It remains desirable to a greater range of drivers today as one of the most popular sports cars ever built, its proof being its A-list following,” says Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.
When Camaro’s birthday was announced this week as part of Chevrolet’s Centennial celebrations, it eclipsed even its most recent celebrity owner - Former England and LA Galaxy soccer player David Beckham - when it received over 1.9 million birthday greetings sent from its Facebook friends.
The Camaro arrives at WH Brand Chevrolet in early 2012, register your interest by calling 01406 330265 or email sales@whbrand.co.uk
September 2011
Chevrolet Volt first through the door at SMMT exhibition
The revolutionary Chevrolet Volt has been welcomed as the first vehicle to appear in the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) showroom-style exhibition area at its new premises in the heart of Westminster. The space provides an opportunity to highlight the breadth and scale of the modern UK automotive industry to visitors and passers-by in a prime, central London location.
The Volt was driven onto its new display stand in electric-only mode and even managed to dodge London’s Congestion Charge en route thanks to its innovative electric drivetrain, E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle), which powers the car’s wheels directly. The petrol engine generates power for the battery, giving the car a maximum range of 60 miles in full electric mode.
The Chevrolet Volt has already won several awards in the USA, where the vehicle was crowned North American Car of the Year, as well as winning recognition from titles such as Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine.
The Volt goes on sale in the UK in March 2012, and is eligible for the full £5,000 from the government’s plug-in car grant.
Customers interested in finding out more about the Chevrolet Volt can visit the dedicated Volt customer site at www.voltchevrolet.co.uk
September 2011
See the stunning new Cruze Hatchback at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre from 19th-25th September.
WH Brand Chevrolet will be displaying the new Cruze Hatchback at Serpentine Green from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th September in Serpentine Green, Hampton, Near Peterborough. The car will be displayed outside Boots and we will also have a Chevrolet Spark on display outside the main entrance.
Go along and take a look at the cars and speak to a member of our team for any information you need about the Chevrolet range or to book a test drive.
September 2011
Top Technician Luke's Weekend With Chevrolet BTCC Rewarded With Pole Position, Race One Victory And A Place On The Podium.
WH Brand Chevrolet Top Technician Luke Parlett's weekend working for the Chevrolet BTCC Team on 17th/18th September was a successful one.
During Saturday qualifying Luke was working in pitlane for the two Chevrolet Cruze driver's, Jason Plato and Alex MacDowall. His efforts during the day were rewarded with Jason setting the fastest lap and qualifying in pole position for Sundays race.
Jason led from the start to take the victory and to reward Luke's efforts working for the team he was nominated to collect the Constructor's Trophy on the podium, joining Jason collecting his Drivers Trophy.
Luke has always been a keen follower of the BTCC Championship and said, "working with theRML Chevrolet Team was a fantastic experience, from preparation of the cars during Saturday morning through to changing tyres during qualifying and achieving pole position. Then on race day, to be able to join Jason on the podium to collect the trophy was the icing on the cake of a superb weekend."
Luke Parlett collecting the Constructors Trophy Top - Luke tuning the Cruze for pole position & a race win!!
Bottom - Luke with Jason Plato in the Chevrolet BTCC pit garage
September 2011
W H Brand Chevrolet technician selected as one of the Top Technicians for 2011 and is chosen to work with Chevrolet BTCC team at Rockingham
W H Brand, the home of Chevrolet in Whaplode Drove, near Spalding, is pleased to announce that local technician Luke Parlett has been selected as one of the Chevrolet’s Top Technicians in 2011!
Luke was selected by Chevrolet as one of the five Top Technicians across the UK and has won the opportunity to take part and help out Chevrolet’s team at this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham Circuit.
Luke will spend Saturday 17th September helping the Championship-winning RML team prepare the Chevrolet Cruze for the all-important qualifying session for the British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham Circuit in Northamptonshire. He and a guest will receive overnight accommodation on Saturday and full hospitality on race day, with the chance of a lifetime to collect the Manufacturer’s Cup from the BTCC race podium should RML win.
Luke has been a technician for 12 years and has been working at W H Brand Chevrolet for eight, having completed all of the Chevrolet training courses. He was selected for the award by the dealership’s Aftersales team for the effort and dedication he shows to his work. The nomination came from his Service Manager, Alan Canham, who said: “Luke always works hard and puts a lot of time and energy into the quality of every job he does for us. When he has a difficult job, he will often research the problem at home in his own time, so I felt that he was really deserved a nomination for the dedication he shows to his work. We couldn’t be happier that he has been chosen as the winner.”
“I was so excited when I found out I’d been selected as one of the top technicians,” said Luke about winning the award. “I’m a huge BTCC fan and always follow the races and I try to go to as many as possible. To be recognized for the work I do is fantastic, and to be able to help out at a BTCC event and work on the RML Chevrolet racing car is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get to Rockingham and see the cars in action.”
See all the BTCC action on Sunday 18th September on ITV4.
Top Technician Luke Parlett (right) with Service Manager Alan Canham
July 2011
See the Chevrolet Spark & Orlando at Whaplode Drove Village & Country Fair on Sunday 24th July
Orlando and Spark on display.
A fun family day for everyone at The Elizabethan Centre, Whaplode Drove, including;
Vintage Vehicles & Classic Cars
Minature Steam
Craft Shows & Demonstrations
Produce Shows
Tug of War
Music
Funfair & Organs
Bygones
Food & Bar with Real Ale
FREE Entry & Parking
Elizabethan Centre
Parsons Lane
Whaplode Drove
Near Spalding
Lincs PE12 0TW
June 2011
See Our Special Edition Spark At Tesco This Weekend
Visit Our Display At Tesco, Godsey Lane, Market Deeping on 8th & 9th July.
To celebrate the launch of the latest Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, we have a Special Edition Spark 1.2LS on display at the Tesco store in Market Deeping.
The movie stars the iconic Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee as well as featuring other Chevrolet vehicles, and is being shown at cinemas now.
Chevrolet Transformers toys can be purchased at Tesco stores.
Following the event at Tesco our Special Edition Spark will be for sale at our showroom.
Also on display will be the Chevrolet Cruze, the model used by Jason Plato to win the 2010 BTCC Driver's Championship and by Yvan Muller to win the WTCC Driver's Championship as well as helping Chevrolet to win the Manufacturer's Title.
For further information about this weekend's display, or details on any of the Chevrolet range please call us on 01406 330265
April 2011
If you want a car you can trust, choose a Chevrolet from W H Brand Ltd
- Chevrolet tops Warranty Direct’s reliability index
- Based on number of warranty claims, cost of repair, mileage and age
- Chevrolet is a fully subscribed member of the Motor Codes industry code of practice
When it comes to endurance, the Chevrolet brand has long had a reputation for dependable, long-life service – after all, the company wouldn’t be celebrating its centenary this year were it not for cars that were engineered to deliver reliability and satisfaction to their owners. But now, the brand has gone one better – knocking Japanese Brand Honda off the top spot in Warranty Direct’s Reliability Index (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk)
The independent warranty company offers cover to owners of all cars outside of their manufacturers’ warranty periods. Its Reliability Index is updated four times a year and analyses both the frequency of failure and also the cost of repair to customers’ cars, and currently Chevrolet is leading the pack with a score of just 20.00 – the lower the score, the better the reliability and lower the cost. .
Furthermore, Chevrolet also tops the charts for repair costs – at £195.14 per repair claim, Chevrolet beats its nearest rival by over £40. To make it a hat trick, Chevrolet also claims the lowest ‘time-off-the-road’ in terms of repairs, with an average of 1.41 days per claim to repair, compared to the second place score of 1.67.
Chevrolet – a keen supporter of and fully subscribed member to Motor Codes, the UK car industry’s self-regulating commitment to fair practice and good customer service - was also the first brand to offer a fully comprehensive five-year aftercare package to its customers. The Five-Year Promise, introduced in 2010, not only offers a warranty, but also roadside assistance, servicing, MoT insurance and vehicle health checks over the period. Proof, if it were needed, that Chevrolet believed in its cars’ dependability.
Warranty Direct’s Managing Director, Duncan McClure-Fisher, said: “Honda has held the top spot in our overall manufacturer’s reliability table for many months, so for Chevrolet to knock them off their perch is a major coup. You have to bear in mind that we do not hold as many policies on Chevrolets as Honda models but, nevertheless, the data we do have clearly shows that Chevrolets are trustworthy vehicles.”
His comments are echoed by Chevrolet UK Managing Director, Mark Terry, who added: “It’s a real testimonial to the quality and reliability of our vehicles that we’re leading the Reliability Index. But more than that, the finer data such as time of repair and average repair costs goes to show that our passion for providing customers with real-world value goes beyond the initial purchase of the car. Our dealers are clearly making an effort to minimise the disruption of any repairs to our customers, and helping them keep their cost down at a time when we’re all watching our pennies.”
April 2011
Brands New Record for Plato
- Jason Plato breaks Touring Car record with 61st and 62nd wins.
- Strong weekend at Brands Hatch means Silverline Chevrolet lead drivers and manufacturers championships.
- Next round at Donington, April 17th.
Silverline Chevrolet driver Jason Plato has become the most prolific winner ever in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, smashing Andy Rouse’s record of 60 victories in an amazing afternoon of action at Brands Hatch.
Britain’s best racing series began in truly dramatic fashion, with two cars falling by the wayside on the warm-up lap, and a dramatic crash in early practice that saw Honda’s Gordon Shedden relegated to the rear of the grid.
There was further drama on the very first lap, with Jason Plato charging up the inside on Paddock Hill Bend to pass pole-sitter Matt Neal, followed through by Silverline Chevrolet young gun Alex MacDowall in the second works Cruze. With Plato edging ahead, MacDowall, Neal, Nash and Chilton went four abreast into Druids, leading to contact between MacDowall and Neal that put the Honda into the gravel trap.
The first two laps were run under safety car conditions, but the regrouping of the pack didn’t affect Plato, who drove a faultless, textbook race to claim his 61st, and record-breaking victory.
MacDowall battled on with a damaged car, eventually coming home in fifth and scoring some valuable points for the Silverline Chevrolet team.
But frustration would befall Alex in the second of the day’s races, incurring a drive-through penalty after an alleged false start, having powered his way up into third position.
For Plato, race two would bring a second victory of the day, which combined with a solid fifth position in Race 3 left him eight points clear in the driver’s championship. The Oxford-based driver came home first despite carrying 45kg of success ballast, the victory helped by a thrilling battle for second between Matt Jackson and Gordon Shedden.
“I’m delighted,” said Jason. “To take the record number of wins is one thing, but to do so with back-to-back victories at the season opener is even better. We weren’t expecting too much at Brands as the new turbo-powered cars have an advantage on the circuit, but the Cruze’s superb handling and balance meant I could keep the momentum and ensure we could get our championship challenge off to the best start imaginable. It’s a real credit to the team at Silverline Chevrolet and RML that we took the points.”
In the third race of the day, the BTCC’s reverse-grid system did no favours for the Silverline Chevrolet team, with Jason starting from seventh and Alex twelfth on the grid after his drive-through penalty affected his finish in the second race. But both drivers came through the traffic to finish in the points, Jason coming home a respectable fifth and Alex ninth overall. There was still a Chevrolet driver on the podium, though, with privateer Paul O’Neill coming home third in his Techspeed-run Cruze.
The BTCC returns to Donington Park on Sunday April 17. But to catch up with all the latest news from the Silverline Chevrolet team, visit www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk, or follow the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/chevroletbtcc
Drivers Championship after Rounds 1, 2 and 3
1. Jason Plato, Chevrolet....... .38
2. Mat Jackson, Ford ..............30
3. James Nash, Vauxhall .........26
4. Gordon Shedden, Honda ....25
5. Matt Neal, Honda ................23
6. Paul O’Neill, Chevrolet ........20
7. Tom Chilton, Ford ..............16
8. Alex MacDowall, Chevrolet ..8
Feb.2011
New Chevrolet Orlando
- New Chevrolet compact MPV, from £16,395 on-the-road
- Fabulous equipment levels complement bold styling
- Low insurance groups
- Final UK specification and pricing
Not only is it the perfect combination of bold and new, but Chevrolet’s new Orlando MPV is also ‘spec’-tacular value for money.
Prices for the newcomer start from £16,395 they represent the best value in the class in terms of standard equipment.
Three trim levels and three engines are available, including two diesel options.
The entry level Orlando is badged LS, and is anything but basic. Standard equipment includes ESC, air conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable steering wheel.It also includes two clever innovations - a supplementary rear-view mirror allowing both driver and passenger to see all of the car’s occupants, and an extremely clever hidden cubby compartment behind the stereo facia; the perfect place to conceal MP3s, phones and iPods away from prying eyes.The LS is available with the 141PS 1.8-litre petrol engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
LT models come loaded with even more kit. As well as the standard LS equipment, they get rear parking distance sensors, a USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, driver’s armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.In addition, the LT can be specified with the most powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with a six-speed auto as an option.
The range-topping LTZ models, which are also offered with a choice of 1.8 petrol manual transmission, or 163ps diesel with manual or automatic options, come with an astonishing amount of on-board goodies.These include distinctive 17-inch alloys, automatic cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a gloss black centre console, power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.Buyers of diesel-engined LTZ models can also specify an optional Executive Pack, priced at £2,000. This adds full leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite navigation and smart 18-inch alloy wheels.
Orlando also benefits from best-in-class insurance group ratings – no other seven-seat MPV can match the 1.8-litre petrol model’s 10E T1 classification, while the 130PS 2.0-litre diesel is in class 14E T1 and the 163PS 2.0-litre diesel is the 16E T1 bracket.
Oct.2010
World Championship for Chevrolet
- Chevrolet Cruze wins World Touring Car Championship
- British-built cars win manufacturers’ and drivers’ titles
- Cruze adds to trophy won in British Series
It was all in a weekend’s work for Chevrolet, which won its first ever FIA-sanctioned world championship in Macau, adding to the high profile motor sport titles already won by the all-conquering Cruze. The four-door saloon is best known in the UK as the car that carried Jason Plato to victory in the British Touring Car Championship, but it has now gone on to victory on the world stage in a weekend that saw both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles going to Chevrolet.
And in a further boost for UK motorsport, the series winning car was built here by RML in Wellingborough, Northants, while Cambridge-based Rob Huff was joint second on points in the championship.
The championships were conquered with bravura, as Rob Huff and Yvan Muller took a double win in Race 1, after a faultless flag-to-flag performance. In Race 2, the Chevrolet duo had to fight hard to pass Farfus, finishing 3 rd and 4 th , which means that Chevrolet has been on the podium in 21 of the 22 races this year. Unfortunately, this was not enough for Huff to take the runner-up position in the championship, as he finished tied in points with Tarquini, declared vice-champion only on number of wins. Alain Menu had a more difficult week-end but showed again his tremendous team spirit and personal bravery, having to cope with the sad news of his father’s death. The Swiss finished Race 1 in 7 th position, after a contact with the wall in lap 1, but could not take advantage from the first row position in Race 2, as a mechanical problem got him stuck on the grid.
“It was an amazing weekend in Macau as Chevrolet won both the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles in the 2010 World Touring Car Championship,” said Chevrolet Europe President Wayne Brannon. “This achievement is the culmination of six years of great teamwork, of incredible dedication and true passion
“The racing team has made Cruze a world champion! The WTCC features vehicles close to the regular production cars giving us the opportunity to showcase to race fans what a great product we have on the market. This was our second year of racing activity for the Cruze - which has become Chevrolet's best-selling passenger car worldwide in the same period.”
