More In Car Infotainment

Buick Enters Infotainment Game With IntelliLink 

Ford Sync, Toyota Entune, andd now Buick's IntelliLink.  It seems like automakers are finding any way possible to give you the consumer as much in car technology as possible.  That's a win for everyone involved.  

Buick IntelliLink uses Bluetooth or USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a new 7- or 8-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display radio. IntelliLink expands on Buick’s current Bluetooth and USB capabilities to allow smartphone control via voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls.  

It also enables streaming stereo audio from the phone through services like Pandora and Stitcher Radio.

Most importantly, Buick IntelliLink enables seamless integration of stowed portable devices with each vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

“About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity,” said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM’s infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. “Whether it’s because they want to listen to their favorite music or explore local restaurants on a Friday night, today’s car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car.”

Clearly Buick knows their market.  

One doesn’t need a smartphone to benefit from IntelliLink. The system works with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, USB flash drive or digital audio player. Even without a mobile device, Buick owners will benefit from IntelliLink’s enhanced voice recognition technology and OnStar’s on-screen turn-by-turn directions.

Intellilink will appear in the 2012 Verano, Regal and LaCrosse models, all known for quiet interiors and easy functionality.  

Until then, swing by West Herr GM in East Aurora for the latest and greatest from GM and Buick.  

Never Get Locked Out With Help From GM

The "Thinking Key" Debuts With Buick, May Spread

Imagine locking your keys in your car and your car unlocking the door for you.  No this isnt a futuristic Stanley Kubrick movie, this is the new "Thinking Key" from GM. 

The new key doesn't require a button press or even a keyhole. Instead it sends out a constant stream of data to the vehicle that includes where the key is located. That helps the car decide whether the doors should be locked or unlocked based on pre-programmed behavioral scenarios.

"It does a lot of the thinking for you," said GM Engineer Dave Proefke. "It tries to determine your intended action and perform that action for you."

The key comes equipped with the 2011 Buick LaCrosse and selected other General Motors models.

"With push-button start available on the CXL and standard on the CXS, LaCrosse owners can enter the vehicle, push a button to start the car and away they go," said Proefke.  Fumbling for your keys will soon be a thing of the past. 

Buick's thinking car key knows when it has been left behind in a vehicle. Automatically sensing a lockout situation, it will alert the driver that the keys are still inside the vehicle. If the driver attempts to manually lock the doors, the fob system will keep the doors unlocked.

One of the common key fob myths is that someone could capture its signal and use it to steal a car. With advanced key fob technology, signals are encrypted and change with every button push. Stealing signals is virtually impossible.

What are further implications of this technology?  Most likely smart phone apps.  More than a few companies are working on phone apps for unlocking doors, as we covered on our blog recently. 

If you want to see the Lacrosse and the thinking key in action, visit West Herr GM in East Aurora online or in person today. 

Buick's Moment of Truth

Interactive Online Campaign Offers All Things Regal

Seems like every auto maker is going digital.  Buick is no different, but according to reviews, the 2011 Buick Regal IS different.  So why not launch an interactive website dedicated just to the Regal?  Buick did just that.  

Momentoftruth.com compiles reviews,  pictures, and personal testimonials from professional reviewers, Buick themselves and of course customers. 

“We are inviting consumers to find out on their own that Regal is a true performance sedan and worthy of their consideration,” said Craig Bierley, Buick advertising director.  “We are making it easy for the consumer to get unbiased opinions in one online location.”

Here's just a snippet of what the experts had to say:

"This is the first Buick that will appeal to young, affluent tend-setting import buyers"- Motortrend

"The 2011 Buick Regal is the most important car in Buick's line up"- Detnews.com

"The Regal is inherently American-it represents the notion of clear thinking and getting more for less"- Esquire

"Buick is clearly doing things right"- Cars.com

Not bad. However, most customers want to hear what other customers had to say. Most customers echoed the sentiments of the reviewers.  Customer testimonials can be viewed here.

New cars and new marketing philosophies are what lead to Motortrend Magazine declaring 2011 to be the "Return of Buick" in a recent issue.  We covered that here.

For Buick's in the Buffalo area, visit West Herr GM in East Aurora today. 

GM Introduces New Blind Zone Technology

Automaker Looks to Combat Lane Change Mishaps

Every driver has been there.  You look to change lanes and another car appears, seemingly out of nowhere.  Accident or not, you're shaken and your heart pounds.  GM looks to prevent these types of incidents with their new Side Blind Zone Alert system.

 Available in the 2010 Buick Lacrosse and certain Cadillac models, the Blind Zone Alert system uses radar-equipped sensors to alert drivers of any potential vehicles in their blind spot.  Small orange icons appear on the side view mirror to alert drivers of oncoming cars.  If the driver puts a turn signal on in that direction, the icons will flash.   

Essentially, the Blind Zone Alert system gives drivers another set of eyes to monitor their blind spots. 

“This technology makes lane changes safer because it alerts driver’s to vehicles that otherwise might escape their vision.” said Kent Lybecker, a GM active safety systems engineer.

The alert system covers a range of one lane width on each side of the vehicle plus approximately 10 feet from the rear.  The alternating radar beams provide a layer of protection not previously available. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says improper lane changes are a factor in up to 85 percent of all crashes.

Due in part to the Blind Zone Alert system, The Buick LaCrosse is one of 27 new vehicles to be named a Top Safety Pick for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting occupants in front, side, rear and rollover crashes based on Institute testing.

New Buick Lacrosse models are available at West Herr's East Aurora location.  Visit us online or stop by for more information on one of the safest cars in America. 

The Return of Buick

Motor Trend's Latest Cover Spurs Excitment At Buffalo Buick Dealer

"Buick is Back!"  The cover of the latest Motor Trend magazine says it all.  With new models on the horizon, West Herr couldnt be happier with the momentum Buick is gaining. 

Motor Trend ran a comparison between the redesigned 2010 Buick Lacrosse and the 2010 Lexus ES350; the Lacrosse emerged as the overall winner.

 "This shows that we are introducing cars that merit the attention of auto enthusiasts, including the editors of Motor Trend," said John Schwegman, U.S. marketing vice president, Buick GMC.

Currently the 2010 Lacrosse is outselling it's predecessor threefold and it's safety ratings are some of the highest in the industry.

The Lacrosse has also earned great reviews and high praise for its multiple fuel-efficient options.  Aside from two fuel-saving V-6 engines, a new eco-friendly, direct inject Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder engine will hit stores with the LaCrosse CX model this spring.

The 2011 Buick Regal is also being lauded by car experts everywhere.  Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus Mackenzie says the Regal "is the first Buick in history with internationally chic sheetmetal and sophisticated road manners to match.”

"It is truly likely to appeal to young, affluent, trend-setting import buyers,” Mackenzie said. 

Available this spring, the 2011 Regal features a standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine with anestimated 182 horsepower (136 kW).  Also available later this year is the 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW).

West Herr is proud to be Western New York's spot for the latest Buick products.  To test out the 2010 Lacrosse or find out more about the 2011 Regal's Buffalo launch, visit us online or come to our East Aurora location.