2011 Marked the 100 Year Anniversary of Chevrolet

We also had the opportunity to participate in making history with the release of the Chevy Volt.  The Volt has received such accolades as 2011 North American Car of the Year, Motor Trend Car 2011 of the Year, and rated #1 in Owner Satisfaction by Consumer Reports.  Although there have been media reports covering the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into the safety of the Volt, it continues to hold a five-star overall vehicle safety score from the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

The media has taken the issue out of context, not reporting that under usual circumstances when the vehicle is involved in a collision there is a Volt team that is dispatched to drain the vehicle’s battery.  Leaving a damaged battery without being discharged is essentially like leaving a damaged fuel tank to leak fuel – it can result in fire in certain conditions.   The battery was not drained after the NHTSA test.  It was taken away and stored for over three weeks prior to catching fire.  That was not the proper protocol. Chevrolet has been diligent in making the safety of their customers their first priority.  You can read a letter that was sent directly from GM North America’s President, Mark Reuss, to Volt customers here.  Take a moment to read the comments at the bottom of that letter that have been posted by current Volt owners.  Questions can be directed to 877-4-VOLT-INFO (877-486-5846) or for local questions, you can contact Don Hattan Chevrolet at 316-744-1275.  We are confident that the Volt is a safe and quality vehicle, that this issue will be resolved, and Chevrolet will continue bringing innovative, quality products and solutions. 

 It has been a year full of innovations, milestones, and amazing customers.  Thank you for sharing the journey with us and we look forward to Volting into the New Year!

As the holidays fast approach us, our thoughts quickly turn to turkey, dressing, pie, football games, Black Friday strategy, and Christmas lists. 

It is one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, but also one of the most rewarding as we are able to spend time with family and friends, sharing what we are thankful for.  It reminds us to have an Attitude of Gratitude.  And while individuals usually take time at their dinner tables to share thanks, businesses don’t take near enough time to share thanks with the community that supports them. We wanted to share just a few of the things that we are thankful for this holiday season.

We are thankful for all of the customers that have allowed us to be a part of their lives over the past 62 years – generations of families that have shared memorable moments of first cars, graduation and Christmas surprises, and many other lifetime milestones.  And through our service department, they have trusted us to prepare their vehicles for family vacations and road trips, helping them through roadside disasters and all kinds of unexpected events.

We are thankful for all of our employees – such a great team that has made this organization what it is today.  It doesn’t matter what position an employee holds or what department they work for – we are all equally responsible for making customer service our number one priority. It is such a blessing to have a team of employees with dedication to excellence.   

We are also thankful for the support of such an amazing community of Kansas people and businesses.  We are surrounded with the best of both worlds – a growing metropolitan area and people & businesses who still hold tight to small town values.

In the spirit of having an Attitude of Gratitude, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and will finish off by sharing a quote by Melody Beattie that we value and have posted around Don Hattan Chevrolet year around …

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Changing leaves signal fall's arrival at Don Hattan Chevrolet.

Girl’s Night Out was held on Thursday, October 13th at Don Hattan.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend, you should add it to your list of  events to plan on for next year.  (You can even give us a call to get on the Save-the-Date  list, as it fills up quickly and we always welcome new faces!) 

Girl’s Night Out is the perfect opportunity to learn more about your vehicle, shop with our vendors, meet new people, and win some GREAT prizes.  You will learn how to change a tire, jump-start your car, handy maintenance tips, and this year we had a booth where two female detectives from the Wichita Police Department gave some great information about women’s safety and domestic violence prevention.  Prizes were too  numerous to mention them all, but they ranged from dinner for two at the Cracker Barrel, $50 gift cards to Target, zoo tickets, and we even had a free night stay at an area hotel!  We also had free valet parking, goodie bags, an Italian Dinner buffet, & optional free vehicle inspections for all attendees. 

You  can read some of the reviews that this year’s attendees posted to Google Places by clicking here.  

This was also our 16th year hosting Trunk or Treat for the Wichita and surrounding communities.  We had thousands of kids make their way through our dealership with their families, showcasing their costumes as they moved from trunk-to-trunk collecting candy (the GOOD kind of candy, not just the Tootsie Rolls and hard candies).  Theresa Grauel, the event’s coordinator at Don Hattan Chevrolet, said, “It was a fabulous night!  There was a solid line of kids for 2 hours. The costumes were wonderful and everyone was respectful and very well-behaved.  Our volunteers were good and we really appreciate all the generous businesses that contributed to help make this event a great success!” 

Previous attendees of Trunk or Treat stop to pose for a picture.

I really enjoy this part of my job. I literally get to test drive a car, and let you know what I think about it. It’s awesome.

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This week’s test drive was the 2011 Chevy Impala

Sales Associate Alex Manzanera and I got to take a spin in this beauty.

The 2011 Chevy Impala in Gold Mist Metallic
Estimated 19 MPG city, 29 highway
Vehicle Highlights: This car gets up and GOES. Great acceleration and
a very smooth ride in both the city and on the highway.
Vehicle Lowlights: Not a lot of bells and whistles. Has basic features,
but they function very efficiently.

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The leg room in this car is more than enough for just your legs.

If you have a large bag or maybe just got done grocery shopping, there is plenty of room to set this up front and still allow your passenger to move around comfortably.

(ignore the shadow from my arm on the floor and dash)

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The Impala comes with an AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 playback seek-and-scan.
It also comes with auto-tone control, Radio Data System (RDS), automatic volume, TheftLock and  an auxiliary input jack. The 2011 Impala has a 6-speaker system.

XM Radio comes standard in the 2011 Chevy Impala, and nearly all 2011 GM models. It includes 3 months of trial service.

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OnStar comes with the 2011 Chevy Impala
for 6 months of Directions and Connections.

This plan includes:

• Automatic Crash Response
• Emergency Services
• Crisis Assist
• Stolen Vehicle Assistance Stolen
• Vehicle Slowdown and Remote Ignition Block
• Remote Door Unlock
• Turn-by-Turn Navigation with Destination Download
• OnStar eNav (where available)

It also comes with OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, and Hands Free Calling.

The picture below is of the microphone that is used for both OnStar and Bluetooth cell phone use through the audio system.

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The back seat is also super-spacious, which is great for extra luggage, car seats or even hauling smaller objects.

Tons of trunk space as well! Folding down the back seat will only give you more room.

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One thing I forgot to include was the functional console! Most consoles have a large vacuole of space, but what I liked about the Impala is that it’s console had a removable tray. Pretty handy!

I enjoyed the 2011 Impala simply because it’s…simple. There are no fancy gadgets blinking at me or wacky features that will be distracting my driving. This is a great car for anyone who wants a simple and smooth ride. And who doesn’t want that?

Check out our Don Hattan Chevrolet’s website for more information on this car! We promise you’ll love it as much as we do

General Motors invites you to Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, KS
for self-guided plant tours!

Ride & Drive vehicles (including the Chevy Volt),
a UAW/GM Buy American Exhibit,
and a full-line of GM vehicles on display (Chevy, Buick, GMC and Cadillac).

A Bumble Bee and Stingray Transformers Exhibit will be on display,
as well as a Safe Kids Display & New York Life Child ID Kits.

Be sure to check out the Kansas Speedway NASCAR Exhibit
and the Harley Davidson products, as well as other various venders.

In attendance, you must wear closed toe shoes and no high-heels.
Handicap-accessible tours will be available as well.
The last tour begins at 6:15pm.

Don’t miss out on this great event open to the public!

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7th Annual Girls’ Night Out
Thursday, October 13, 2011
6-8 p.m.

Join CEO Jill Hattan for Don Hattan Chevrolet’s 7th Annual Girls’ Night Out.

Girls’ Night Out is held at Don Hattan Chevrolet in Park City, KS.
The event provides free dinner, valet parking and
a complimentary multi-point vehicle inspection.

During the event, our staff will provide you with free car care tips and information about your vehicle’s maintenance.
We will also have some amazing door prizes!

This event is a relaxing evening that allows ladies of any age
to feel welcome in our dealership.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Don Hattan’s front desk
316-744-1275

Seating is limited, so check back soon for RSVP information. Open to the public.

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Trunk or Treat
Monday, October 31st
6-8 p.m.

Join Don Hattan Chevrolet for the annual Trunk or Treat event
on Halloween night!
We will be stocking the trunks of our vehicles with donated candy
from local businesses around Wichita!

A live DJ will be here at Don Hattan in Park City, KS
as trick-or-treaters fill their bags. It’s going to be a blast!
Come join us for this fun and FREE event, you don’t want to miss it!

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Beautiful autumn weather  ✔
Our talented and commendable staff  ✔
Attractive and iconic Chevrolet vehicles  ✔

What more could you ask for?
Pencil us into that schedule of yours, we would love to see you soon!

If you have any question, please call us!
316-744-1275

Visit our website, too!
Don Hattan Chevrolet’s Website

Within the next six weeks, the Volt will be available for demonstration purposes, allowing for test drives and viewing.

The Chevrolet Volt is a 4-passenger, 5-door sedan that typically reaches a 379 mile range on a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas.
The battery has a 25-50 mile range depending on the terrain, temperature and driver technique.

The Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability powered by the Voltec electric propulsion system. It consists of a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, an electric drive unit, a 1.4-liter engine generator and a vehicle charge port.

Typically, the Volt takes about 10 hours to recharge the 120V battery and about 4 hours to recharge the 240V battery. This car packs a punch with a 273 lb.-ft. torque and goes from zero to 60 MPH in 8.5 to 9 seconds. Its top speed reaches 100 MPH.

                   
A common question asked about the Chevrolet Volt is how it receives its energy. Basically, it can be generated in many ways: solar, nuclear, hydro, and even wind. A Volt in Brazil demonstrated this by charging up 100% clean renewable energy from Ventos do Sol Energia (Winds of South), the largest wind energy complex in Latin America. It was able to charge entirely from the wind turbine using the 120V cord set that came with the car.

So, as a resident of Kansas, how can we know that our terrain is prepared for an electric car like the Volt?
Westar, Kansas’s largest electrical utility, is working with many groups to ensure that everyone is ready for the arrival of electric vehicles. They are also working to install a
number of publicly available charging stations in cities such as Topeka, Wichita, and Lawrence.

The Volt does perform very well in Kansas. It provides more than enough range to handle most driving needs, both in town and on the highway. The gas generator provides the extra distance needed for drives from Lawrence to Wichita, for example. There have been no complaints of the battery being drained due to the Kansas heat, either. This car simply reduces driving-related greenhouse gas emissions and the import of foreign oil by driving on Kansas-generated kilowatt-hours.

The Interior…

The dashboard in the Volt has two LCD screens that display speed, battery power, range to recharge or re-fill as well as an efficiency gauge that gives you real-time feedback. On the center console you’ll find a seven-inch diagonal high-resolution screen with touch-sensitive control that helps you get the most out of your Volt.

The seats really do the explaining themselves. Who wouldn’t want to sit in this car?

Have a Smartphone? You can access the Volt mobile app
Anywhere you get a signal on your smartphone, you can have control of your Volt.

You don’t want to miss out on this exciting arrival of the 2011 Chevy Volt! There will be demonstrations, test drives and viewings of the car.

Bookmark Don Hattan Chevrolet’s blog to keep posted on exact dates of the Volt’s arrival date!

This week, Director of Special Projects Amanda Atwood and I got to cruise around in the 2008 Chevy Malibu for the Test Drive of the Week – a stylish, family and school friendly car.

The 2008 Chevy Malibu in White

Estimated 22 MPG city, 30 highway

Vehicle Highlights: Quite a few actually! The 3.6L V6 engine has a lot of power and great acceleration, especially on the highway; the big, open windshield provides great visibility (great for new drivers); and the air conditioner gets cold, incredibly fast.

Vehicle Lowlights: Doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles – definitely an easy-to-use family vehicle.

For what appears to be a small car, the Malibu is beyond spacious. Both front seats have sheer suede reclining seat backs, and provide have ample amount of leg and seat space. Both seats are heated. The backseat provides room for passengers to stretch out and be comfortable. New Car Test Drive said it “…has the size, room, features and conveniences a family sedan needs. The rear seats are roomy. Fit and finish inside and out are world-class. We think the Malibu stands up well to the best in its class…”

And the backseat!

As an observer of fancy gadgets and gizmos, I really liked the radio. That seems like a very generic statement to make, I know, but it was so neat! The radio is all digital and comes with MP3 playback seek-and-scan, a digital clock, auto-tone control, Radio Data System (RDS), automatic volume, TheftLock and auxiliary input jack. XM Satellite radio is also available. A compartment for sunglasses sits at the top of the dashboard as well.

and a little bit closer…

The steering wheel allows the driver to change the radio station, change the volume level of the radio, and allows for Bluetooth access. (Psst…it’s very user-friendly!)

The console has also been updated since the 2007 model. It provides a driver information center, with driver customization, warning messages and vehicle information including outside temperature display, trip odometer and programmable menu functions

Cup holders are available under the door’s armrest, which is a very clever way of stopping spills. No more worrying about knocking over a cup with an elbow, or someone accidentally hitting it while getting in and out of the car.

If you are looking for a car that has a lot of trunk space…I think we have found your match. I was blown away by how much space there was! There is space along the side with a cargo net, allowing for objects that need to be separate from others (toolboxes, groceries, etc.)

And then if you fold the backseat down…you get even MORE room.

I am convinced the 2008 Chevy Malibu is a great choice for any kind of driver. This is a great car for any occasion and makes an ideal family or school vehicle. The Malibu comes with eight air bags and a Passenger Sensing system. It also includes a LATCH system for child safety seats.

Check it out for yourself on our website! Click here!

We take pride in our work and in our business here at Don Hattan Chevrolet.

We offer service for cars of all types. Whether it’s a Honda Civic or a dump truck, we want to help get you back on the road!

The gentlemen in the Service Department can answer your questions, as well as get your vehicle in-and-out in quickly and efficiently.

A few of the cars being serviced. Don Hattan Chevrolet provides service to any models or makes. Services include oil changes, maintenance, air filter changes, brake inspections, tire rotation, tire alignment, fuel filter checks, and many more. Don Hattan also provides a shuttle service at no extra charge for anyone who needs a ride to anywhere in Wichita!

We love all of our employees here at Don Hattan! Jerry can help fix up your car, along with our other service technicians.

Don Hattan Chevrolet is a trusted GM dealer in Wichita, Kansas. Don Hattan Chevrolet provides service to any models or makes. Stop by and see why we just do it better!

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Today was my first day on my own…thus far, it has been pretty awesome! I met Shawn Kail and threw some video ideas around, and then test drove my choice of SUV’s.

I chose the 2010 Chevy Equinox.

Director of Special Projects Amanda Atwood and I got to cruise around in the Equinox for the Test Drive of the Week.

(Olivia Newfarmer, Digital Marketing Assistant)

The 2010 Chevy Equinox in Cyber Gray Metallic

Estimated 22 MPG city, 32 highway

Vehicle Highlights: More than just a comfortable ride. It’s like luxury for less!

Vehicle Lowlights: Easily comparable to the 2008 Equinox. Not necessarily a bad thing, but there could be more new features.

I love that the Equinox is so spacious – and doesn’t look like a mini van. Instead, it is a sleek and smooth SUV that rides more comfortably than any other car I have been in before.

Like many people, I first judge a car by how it looks. The Equinox certainly has good looks, which could be bad news for impulsive buyers.

The air vents are a lot different than what other SUVs offer. It provides more of a vertical air flow plus a more straight-on air flow. And despite the temperature being 103 outside, Amanda I were able to keep cold inside of the Equinox.

The Equinox comes equipped with AM/FM/XM stereo with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability, Graphic Interface Display (GID), Radio Data System (RDS), speed-compensated volume, auxiliary input jack and outside temperature display.

The driver and passenger get to enjoy their ride in deluxe bucket seats.

And the back seat passengers get to enjoy spacious, comfy seating!

Amanda actually drives a 2008 Chevy Equinox, and did notice many similar and a few new features that the 2010 model had to offer. She loved that the rearview mirror had a backup screen, that there were additional cup holders on the doors, and that the window controls were not located on the center console. There is also a lot more up front storage that is not in the 2008 model.

“I would definitely upgrade to the 2010 model if I was ready to trade my vehicle in!” said Amanda.

The 2010 Chevy Equinox features a 2.4L DOHC, 4-cylinder SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) engine.  It has 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

In the back, the cargo area has so much space! And that’s not even with the seats folded down.

The dashboard and steering wheel are very user-friendly. It includes a speedometer, single trip odometer, fuel level, engine temperature and tachometer. The Driver Information Center monitors 26 various systems including Vehicle Information Menu (oil life, tire pressure, standard/metric units) and Trip Information Menu (trip 1, trip 2, fuel range, average fuel economy, instant fuel economy, average vehicle speed). The compass display is included in the Drivers Information Center.

This car is a great family and leisure vehicle all mixed into one. No worrying about special, wacky gadgets that you (or the kids) can mess with while cruising down the interstate, or confusing tactics that will mess up your driving. The Equinox comes with eight air bags and a Passenger Sensing system. It also includes a LATCH system for child safety seats.

Check it out for yourself on our website! Click here!

August not only brings with it the heat of summer, but also the end of summer for many school-going children, teenagers and college students. I am one of the college students who will return to school on Monday, Aug. 22, at Wichita State University. (Go Shox!)

Because I must return to WSU for the Fall semester, I must also say “goodbye” to my many friends and colleagues at Don Hattan Chevrolet. Today is my last day.

The time I spent at Don Hattan provided me with valuable experiences and new skills and abilities. I appreciate all the learning and experience this position and the people here have given me. I also greatly appreciate the amazing work done on my car. Thank you, Craig!

I will miss my work and the people with whom I worked at Don Hattan, and I will seriously miss taking vehicle for test drives. Seriously… Best. Job. Ever.

I am sad to leave, but I am glad to welcome a new Digital Marketing Assistant, Olivia Newfarmer, to Don Hattan Chevrolet before I go.

Olivia will fill my shoes online (and upstairs in the back corner office), and I hope that she is able to enjoy all of the experiences – great and small – that I have enjoyed.

Goodbye Don Hattan Chevrolet! Don’t miss me too much; I’ll be back every three months or 3,000 miles to get my oil changed.

Sincerely,

Shae Blevins