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As modern crossovers and SUVs evolve, we are seeing a move from rugged mudslingers, towards tough luxury drivers.  GMC has embraced this trend, creating a lineup of stylish, spacious vehicles that still hold their own off-road. These SUVs combine powerful performance with fuel efficiency and offer a variety of sizes to fit different lifestyles. The hardest part might be choosing the perfect GMC for you and your family! In this article we're comparing the Big GMC Terrain, Bigger GMC Acadia, and Biggest GMC Yukon. The Big: GMC Terrain There is plenty to love about the GMC Terrain, which now comes with a little extra toughness. Adding all-wheel-drive is an important move for GMC because it further defines the Terrain crossover as something a step above the others in its class. AWD offers more power than front-wheel-drive, but it doesn’t guzzle as much gas as four-wheel-drive. It’s a great in-between that still gives enough power to haul friends and family up a mountain or comfortably cruise down the open road. What we like about the GMC Terrain is that it's a big enough SUV to make it substantial, but it’s still compact enough to maneuver easily through cities like Charlotte. Inside, the cabin is spacious, with a plethora of switches and controls running the dash. Some of the knobs and shifting controls may seem a bit small, but Terrain drivers have expressed that this is easy to get used to. Need to haul a larger-than-usual load? The Terrain, even at the standard trim level, comes with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and an available fold-flat front seat. Though the Terrain is the smallest of GMC’s SUVs, it certainly is not tiny. In a test to see how much carry-on luggage could comfortably fit inside the Terrain, 24 cases could fit in the back (with the seats folded) and still allow plenty of room up front for a driver and passenger. By offering an SUV with a roomy interior yet with a smaller frame, the GMC Terrain is your perfect driver for zipping around the city. The Bigger: GMC Acadia The GMC Acadia is an SUV for the entire family. It offers plenty of room, creating a comfortable atmosphere for short or longer drives. It may not be as easy to maneuver in the city as the Terrain, but a few practice rounds of parking in tight spaces is all it takes to feel like a parking pro. The third generation of the Acadia is a little taller and wider than it has been in years previous, and now it comes with a turbocharged, 328-horsepower inline-four engine. There is also a front-wheel-drive with all-wheel drive as an option. What makes the Acadia so spacious is the three rows of seating that fold and tuck away if needed. Throughout the interior, there is evidence of high-level tech with shiny buttons and switches strewn across the dash. There is plenty of cargo space, including a substantial storage area under the floor behind the third-row seats. What’s more, there’s a ton of safety tech added to the new Acadia, including the following: Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is a potential for a front-end collision and automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the seat for various warnings—this is an option instead of having auditory or visual warnings. This is a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids, or you feel like blasting your favorite song. Front and Rear Park Assist Park assist detects objects or people around you while driving at low speeds. Typically, it gets used when parking or navigating through congested areas. We have found this feature to improve even the worst of parallel parkers. High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye-view comes in high definition and gives a crystal clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, helping you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. The Biggest: GMC Yukon The designers at GMC utilize space well, and the new GMC Yukon is their masterpiece.  The new GMC Yukon comes with a V-8 engine—and a very unique engine at that. The Yukon’s V-8 has the capability to reduce itself, when activated, to only operate on four cylinders (for those slower, laid-back drives in town), saving you gas and unneeded wear and tear on the engine. This feature alone will add years of life to your Yukon. Perfect for large families and long road trips (even if that includes a little off-roading), the Yukon comfortably seats the entire family and easily stores all your cargo. Here is a good gauge on whether or not you need the biggest Yukon: if you have at least two child car seats, and you want everyone to be as comfortable as possible, the Yukon is the right choice. As mentioned, the full-size Yukon offers three rows of seating and can fit up to eight passengers while allowing plenty of room to stretch and relax. If you are worried about fuel economy with such a large SUV as the Yukon, check out the turbo-diesel inline-six engine option that provides an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon. Since the Yukon is one of the most popular SUVs on the road today, and has been this popular for some time now, Yukon drivers have been anxiously awaiting what GMC will bring by way of upgrades. The first bit of excitement is the arrival of the Denali Ultimate: a fancier version of the (already fancy) Denali trim level. What does the Denali Ultimate include? Check out these features: Alpine Umber leather upholstery throughout the SUV. 16-way power front seats, including a message feature. Open-pore wood trim running throughout. 18-speaker Bose sound system with all the modern features. Super Cruise Control, which is a hands-free, autonomous driving system that helps to keep you safe and on the road at all times. When shopping for that perfect family vehicle, look no further than GMC’s big, bigger, and biggest lineup. Come test drive an SUV the entire family will enjoy.

The 2024 GMC Acadia vs The 2024 Honda Pilot Two stalwarts in the SUV game, the GMC Acadia and the Honda Pilot both boast big sales and happy drivers. But of the two, which is the better purchase? It’s hard to say which is better with vehicles so similar, and individual tastes will ultimately determine which is best for you, but there are a few clear distinctions between the two that might catch your attention. A Quick Comparison In terms of comfort, the 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Honda Pilot both offer about the same in comfort, but the 2024 Acadia has a little more head- and legroom, making it slightly roomier than the 2024 Pilot. In terms of convenience, you will make less stops at the gas station with the Acadia, which saves you money in the long run as well. When considering the price tags for these two vehicles, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is lower for the Acadia than it is for the Pilot–this is yet another check for GMC. Specifically, the Acadia has an MSRP of $36,800-$50,600 while the Pilot’s suggested cost is around $39,900-$54,280. looking at the dimensions and handling, there are some bigger differences between the two. For example, the 2024 Acadia is slimmer in size than the 24 Pilot, making the GMC much easier to navigate through tight quarters and tricky parking spaces. The Acadia is also shorter in length than the Pilot, which adds to the ease of navigating around town. Though the Acadia is slightly smaller in size, it has a larger turning radius than the Pilot. This adds to the ease of driving the GMC, as maneuvering in and out of tight spots is easier. When it comes to performance, the Pilot has more horsepower than the Acadia, but due to the Acadia’s higher torque, it does a better job than the Pilot of transmitting the engine’s horsepower to its wheels. The Specifics Here is a breakdown of the specs for the two vehicles so you can get a better picture of how the 2024 GMC Acadia and the 2024 Honda Pilot differ from each other. Miles Per Gallon–City Acadia: 19-22 MPG Pilot: 18-19 MPG Miles Per Gallon–Highway Acadia: 26-29 MPG Pilot: 23-27 MPG Seating Acadia: 7 seats Pilot: 7-8 seats Cargo Space Acadia: 79 cubic feet Pilot: 86.5-87 cubic feet Engine Acadia: 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter, 4 cylinder (gas) engine or 310 horsepower, 3.6-liter, 6 cylinder (gas) engine Pilot: 285 horsepower, 3.5-liter, 6 cylinder (gas) engine Drivetrain Acadia: All wheel drive/front wheel drive Pilot: All wheel drive/front wheel drive Exterior Length Acadia: 193.4 inches Pilot: 199.9-200.2 inches Exterior Width Acadia: 75.4 inches Pilot: 78.5 inches Legroom Acadia: front–41 inches; rear–39.7 inches Pilot: front–41 inches; rear–40.8 inches Head Room Acadia: front–40 inches; rear–39.6 inches Pilot: front–39.1-40.5 inches; rear–39.2-40.2 inches The 2024 GMC Acadia Our winner between the Acadia and the Pilot is the 2024 GMC Acadia. And it’s not only us who thinks this way, the all-new Acadia is turning heads and impressing car reviewers with its multiple trim levels: The Elevation, Elevation Premium, AT4, and the Denali trims are all packed with incredible features and capabilities. Here is a closer look at the four trim options you have when purchasing the 2024 GMC Acadia: Elevation To be fair, all four trims are substantial and impressive. To call the Elevation the base-trim level implies it’s bare bones, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. At this first level, the Acadia is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-feet of torque, and you have the option to go with 7- or 8-passenger seating. Most notably, it comes with a 15-inch diagonal premium GMC Infotainment System at no extra cost. Yes, you read that correctly. You do not have to pay for this as an add-on feature since GMC decided to put its most advanced touchscreen in the base level of the Acadia at no extra cost. Maybe we should consider the Elevation as the not-so-base trim level. Elevation Premium Picture this: a brand new SUV with 20-inch wheels and an immaculate interior with fold-flat captain’s chairs (in the back row) and about every technological feature you can imagine. This is the 2024 Acadia Elevation Premium trim level. It also comes with Smart Slide so you can manipulate interior seating to fit your specific needs. What is most impressive with Elevation Premium is the Super Cruise, one of the most advanced automated driving systems on the market today. This is one of our favorite safety features, as it enhances the regular cruise control by incorporating specialized sensors and radar technology so that your car can adapt to the driving conditions around it. For example, once you have set the preferred distance between your car and those ahead of it, Super Cruise will speed your car up or slow it down in order to maintain that distance. AT4 Consider the AT4 as the Off-roading package. This adventurous trim level comes in a dark-accented exterior color, a new Forest Storm interior, and a new rugged suspension design that allows for extreme off-roading. The 2024 Acadia AT4 comes with a raised suspension, but just how raised we do not know yet, as GMC has not officially announced how high the AT4 will sit. You can trust that this version of the Acadia will be tougher than it has ever been though. When GMC goes rugged, they go all out. Denali GMC’s most popular trim level is the famous Denali level. The Denali always comes fully loaded, as in everything you could imagine being packed into an SUV, this one has. Not to say it’s gaudy or busy, it’s actually quite luxurious and sophisticated, yet accessible to anyone. On the exterior, it comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels and the classic Denali grille with Galvano silver accents through the exterior body. Inside, there is premium leather seating that might be the most comfortable in any high-level SUV. Since the Denali trim level has been around for some time, and largely celebrated since its creation, you can trust that GMC has not pulled any punches with the 2024 model. A word to the wise–when you test drive the Acadia’s, don’t start with the Denali, start with the Elevation and work your way up the levels. If you drive the Denali first, you probably won’t want to drive anything else. It may be hard to believe but there are plenty more optional features to be added on to the 2024 Acadia’s trim levels. Here are a few of our favorites: Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is the potential for a front-end collision, and it will also automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the seat for various warnings—this is an option instead of having auditory or visual warnings. This is a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids, or you feel like blasting your favorite song. Front and Rear Park Assist Park assist detects objects or people around you when you are driving at low speeds. Typically, it gets used when parking or navigating through congested areas. We have found this feature to improve even the worst of parallel parkers. High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye view comes at high definition and gives a crystal-clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, helping you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. Stop in and see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and test drive all four styles of Acadia to see which is the best fit for you.

We’ve seen the headlines on the news- an accident caused by a distracted driver. Lives lost. Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,522 lives nation-wide in 2021.  Between 2012-2021, a total of 32,657 died in distracted driving crashes.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) leads the effort nationwide to save lives by preventing this dangerous and often tragic behavior. These statistics (from a May 2023 report) confirm that distracted driving is risky, not only to vehicle occupants, but to pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers, and properties. Updated vehicle technology is great, but it’s still up to the driver to pay attention. With newer safety features in cars and trucks, it’s easy to get acclimated to your sensors doing the work for you. While these features are geared to helping the driver with increased safety measures, don’t become complacent and let your car do the driving for you. What is distracted driving? Simply put, it’s when a driver diverts their attention away from the task of driving and focuses on some other activity which may include texting or talking on their phone, adjusting the radio or climate controls and conversations with passengers. NHTSA (2021 data) shared that eight percent of fatal crashes, 14 percent of injury crashes and 13 percent of all traffic crashes were reported as being caused by a distraction. In addition to the forementioned 3,522 killed, another 362,415 were injured by distracted drivers. 644 nonoccupants (pedestrians, cyclists, and others) were killed in distracted-affected traffic crashes during this same time period. The largest percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes are drivers aged 15-20. In North Carolina The North Carolina Department of Insurance ( www.ncdoi.gov) and Commissioner Mike Causey shares these tips to help drivers avoid the pitfalls of distracted driving: Don’t use your phone at all while driving! That includes texting, websites, or social media. If you really need to send a text or email, pull off the road safely or select a passenger as a “designated texter.” Don’t eat while driving. Do personal grooming like hair and makeup at home, not on the road. Set your navigation systems or radio stations before you start driving. Ask someone in the car to tend to the needs of children if necessary. By the Numbers The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) reported these crash statistics in 2020: 44,128 crashes caused by distracted driving, 18,552 injuries caused by distracted driving and 157 deaths caused by distracted driving. In 2021, NCDOT reported 18% of crashes involved a distracted driver.   NCDOT’s ( www.ncdot.gov) website shares these laws for drivers:   Cellular use: Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a mobile phone or technology associated with a mobile phone while driving except in emergencies or when talking to a parent or spouse. Violators pay a $25 fine but receive no driver license points, insurance surcharge or court costs.   Texting: Drivers are prohibited from reading or writing text messages or emails while the vehicle is moving. Violators are subject to a $100 fine and court costs. NC Vision Zero The NC Vision Zero initiative is a state-wide program which aims to eliminate roadway deaths and injuries using data-driven prevention strategies.   It shares, “Vision Zero is a traffic safety approach focused on eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, while improving access to safe, sustainable, and equitable mobility for everyone. Setting zero as the only acceptable target, Vision Zero sends a strong message: deaths on our transportation network are unacceptable and preventable.” One of their safety focus concerns is distracted driving. Vision Zero shares that 87% of North Carolinians thinks is unacceptable to for a driver to use a hand-held phone while driving, they encourage people to avoid contacting loved ones while they are driving, but if you do need to reach someone who is driving devise a plan. For instance, call twice and hang-up, that can be your code for them to pull over safely knowing there is an emergency. There are three types of distractions. Cognitive (taking your mind off driving), Visual (taking your eyes off the road), and Manual (taking your hands off the wheel). More from NC Vision Zero ( www.ncvisionzero.org): Taking the phone away from your ear does not take away the risk. “Even with two hands on the wheel, using a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth or a voice command program, distracts your brain and makes you “cognitively blind.” In fact, “the activity in the area of the brain that processes moving images decreases by up to ⅓ when listening or talking on a phone”. (National Safety Council) Multi-tasking is a myth! “Your brain cannot process two cognitively-demanding things at once, such as reading text and driving. Instead, during distracted driving, your attention shifts rapidly between two tasks. In those milliseconds between, situations can rapidly change in a moving vehicle.” Is there a safer time of day? According to the National Safety Council ( www.nsc.org): On average in 2021, fatal car crashes were more frequent on weekends, peaking on Saturday. The number of nonfatal crashes tended to be higher on weekdays, peaking on Friday. For both fatal and nonfatal crashes, the peak time of day was 4 p.m. to 7:59 p.m., but peak crash periods vary substantially over the span of a year: During the spring and summer months, fatal crashes tended to peak between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. In contrast, the nonfatal crash peak is earlier in the summer, from noon to 3:59 p.m. From November through March, the peak for fatal crashes was from 4 p.m. to 7:59 p.m. No matter the time of day, it’s important to not be a distracted driver. Excuses, excuses! In an article shared in Canada ( www.driving.ca), police officers in Ottawa shared some of the creative (and humorous) excuses drivers shared when pulled over for distracted driving incidents: “I wasn’t texting, I was checking email.” “I don’t have my phone with me,” to the officer who heard a phone start to ring. “I’m only reading.” “It’s not a communication device, I’m using it as a radio.” “I was placing an important bet in Las Vegas on the UFC.” “I thought I could use it at a red light,” to the officer who recorded the driver stopped at an intersection through two red-light cycles. “You can’t give me a ticket for this. I got one last week!” “I wasn’t on my phone, I was holding it. I have to hold it. I can’t let it go.” “I have a new girlfriend and our song came on the radio, so I had to call her.” “But I had it on airplane mode.” “I’m from Toronto.” Technology is a Tool, You are still the Driver Whether you’re from Toronto or from here in Matthews, driving is a responsibility. Updated vehicle technology is great, but it’s still up to the driver to pay attention. With newer safety features in cars and trucks, it’s easy to get acclimated to your sensors doing the work for you. While these features are geared to helping the driver with increased safety measures, don’t become complacent and let your car do the driving for you. It’s important to remember that you are still the driver. Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Sport Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Warning (back-up camera) are all great to have, we still need to use our eyes, windows, mirrors, and our common sense to keep our minds on the road. What is this technology all about? NHTSA.gov defines the most common features in today’s vehicles. Forward Collision Warning: Detects a potential collision with a vehicle ahead and provides a warning to the driver. Lane Departure Warning: Monitors the vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts the driver as the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markers. Rear Cross Traffic Warning (back-up camera): Warns the driver of a potential collision, while in reverse, that may be outside the view of the backup camera. Blind Spot Warning (in the side mirrors): Warns of a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot. The 2024 Buick Encore GX is just one of many models with advanced safety technology. It features a Back-up Camera, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Lane Keep Assist is newer technology, unlike lane departure warning, lane-keeping technology uses cameras to monitor your car’s position and will gently steer the vehicle back toward the center if it drifts too close to the edge of the lane. Requiring clear lane markings (and we’ve all driven country roads with no painted lines at all), it’s a great tool, but not a substitute for paying attention. Going “Old School” Do you remember your driver’s test? Three-point turns, parallel parking, adjusting your mirrors, watching for passing vehicles, turning and looking behind you before you back out, and hands at “ten and two”? Sweating profusely and hoping you’ll pass (maybe that was just me). These guidelines are still important to be a safe driver. Just as you know not to pass in a “no passing zone”, you should remember to keep your eyes on the road before you. While a forward collision warning system is an amazing tool in an emergency, it’s not meant to help you tailgate. At Scott McCorkle’s Liberty Buick-GMC Trucks, we want you to feel comfortable with the technology in your new vehicle and our team is here to answer any questions you may have. We want you to drive safely, whether you are in your new vehicle from us or your grannie’s hand-me-down roadster. Stay Alert North Carolina, and we’ll see you soon.

As artificial intelligence continues to advance and integrate itself into the automotive industry, we find ourselves experiencing a much different driving experience than ever before. We can now communicate with our vehicles, even before we enter the car, to heat or cool the interior, to play our favorite music and podcasts, and we can now rely on AI to take care of some of the more complicated aspects to driving, such as the act of driving itself. Car drivers are entering the age of driver assistance systems, which are AI-integrated programs created to take over some of the more laborious aspects of driving. It is safe to say that we are entering a period in time where both humans and AI team together in order to create a brand new driving experience–one that is easier and safer for everyone. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, or ADAS, are various technologies created to improve the driving experience, namely to promote vehicle safety. This process involves the implementation of automated assistance to the driver in order to help reduce the possibility of human error. This is done by using sensors, cameras, radar, and other advanced tech features to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings at all times and to assist in various driving tasks–such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure assistance, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance. For some car companies, like GMC, these advanced systems are nothing new, though they are being updated often. The availability of specific assistance features can depend on the trim level and options chosen for each vehicle, but a variety of them can be found in most versions of GMC’s Sierra, Yukon, Terrain, Acadia, and Canyon. Before we get into some details on how these systems work, let’s have a look into how incorporating ADAS can benefit both drivers and passengers: Improved Safety: we can already see how ADAS helps prevent car accidents by providing safety assistance to drivers through the use of emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Enhanced Convenience: ADAS can make the driving experience more comfortable and less stressful by assisting with tasks such as maintaining a safe distance behind other vehicles, keeping your vehicle centered in its lane, and aiding in parking maneuvers, such as the dreaded parallel parking. Reduced Driver Fatigue: by incorporating ADAS, drivers can get alerts and assistance when necessary if experiencing fatigue. These technologies can keep drivers from falling asleep and/or get them to pay attention to certain aspects of driving–for instance, if there is flooding, icy conditions, animals crossing, etc. Potential Insurance Discounts: some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with ADAS, as these technologies have already proven their ability to reduce the likelihood of accidents and even minimize potential damage in the case of an actual collision. Environmental Benefits: certain features to ADAS, such as adaptive cruise control, can help with fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent speed and following distance. Over time, this can lead to a drastic reduction in fuel consumption. Lower emissions means your car is better for the environment, and you are able to save money by vising the gas station less often. Assistance for Drivers with Disabilities: ADAS can provide helpful assistance to drivers with disabilities by helping them operate aspects of the vehicle through automated prompting, the use of warning lights, etc. It can also assist those with limited mobility by setting itself to take care of things like the usage of blinkers and headlights without the prompting of the driver. Clearly, ADAS plays a crucial role in improving road safety and enhancing the driving experience, and this process of technological integration is only starting–who knows what the future holds! How ADAS Works Integrated systems such as ADAS are quite complicated, but gaining a basic understanding of how they work can better inform drivers on how and when to use them. On the most basic level, ADAS uses a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and software algorithms to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. All of these technologies are used to assist the driver. Here is a general overview of how it all works: Sensors and Cameras– Small sensors and cameras are strategically placed around the vehicle so that they can continuously collect data on the car’s surroundings, including nearby vehicles, pedestrians, road markings, traffic signs, and obstacles. Data Processing– The data collected by sensors and cameras are processed in real-time through the use of onboard computers. These computers use special algorithms to analyze the data received in order to identify objects on or around the road, detect potential hazardous situations, and to assess the vehicle’s position in relation to the road and other vehicles. Decision Making– Once incoming data has been processed, ADAS make decisions about the appropriate actions to take so that the driver is assisted and safety mechanisms are enhanced. For example, if it is detected that the vehicle is drifting in and out of its lane without signaling, lane departure warnings and/or the steering assistant may be employed in order to alert the driver and to keep the vehicle in its proper placement on the road. Driver Feedback and Intervention– One of the great aspects to this sort of enhanced driving system is that ADAS provide feedback to the driver through visual, auditory, and haptic alerts in order to inform them of potential hazards in the moment. Not only that, but in some cases ADAS can also intervene directly by applying the brakes, adjusting steering, even by controlling the vehicle’s speed. Integration with Vehicle Controls– Most often, Advanced Driver Assistance is integrated with the vehicle’s existing control systems–like braking, steering, and throttle–so that there is active vehicle control when necessary without the prompting of the driver. Essentially, this means that ADAS does not have to wait for human interaction for it to kick in. Which makes sense if you are heading towards danger without knowing it, you want your vehicle to know to apply the brakes whether your foot hits the brake pad or not. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement– What’s so great about ADAS is that it is continuously working. It is always monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings and performance–even if you are not–and it knows to adapt and change driving conditions, and this effectiveness is actually improved over time. Manufacturers regularly update ADAS software to enhance performance, address potential issues, and introduce new safety features. One other feature we love about the incorporation of ADAS is that if repairs or calibration are needed for the ADAS system in GMC vehicles, a quick trip to the dealership is all that is required. Once on site, a certified technician can calibrate and/or repair any necessary areas. And there is no guesswork here, as your ADAS will let you know if there is some necessary repairs or adjustments needed so that there is no compromise in the effectiveness of the system. The future is upon us, and driving is about to look a whole lot different. Are you ready to incorporate ADAS into your daily driver? It’s time.

You have a family and you have places to go, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for the expected minivan so you can cart those kids and groceries and pets around town or even on longer trips. The modern family vehicle has evolved into what we call a crossover, a mix of a hearty SUV and a comfy minivan, equating to the perfect day-to-day family driver. And at the top of the family vehicle list is the venerated GMC Terrain SLT, a king among crossovers and minivans alike. The vehicle market is flooded with varying types of trucks and sedans and SUVs, but when it comes to family drivers, the minivan has always been the most practical. Until now, that is. Today, we are seeing a move from those big, ugly capsules we call minivans, to tough luxury drivers that can handle a rugged mountain drive and a smooth venture about town both in the same day. The modern family has pushed for more comfort and better aesthetics and GMC has answered. Enter the 2024 GMC Terrain SLT: the new and improved minivan (that’s not a minivan). It’s a crossover, but it’s still tough. The Terrain SLT comes with all-wheel-drive, which is an important move for GMC because it defines this particular crossover as something a step above. AWD offers more power than front-wheel-drive, but it doesn’t guzzle as much gas as four-wheel-drive, so it keeps you on the road longer. Customers are already finding the 2024 Terrain to be a great in-between that still gives enough power for off-roading capabilities and the capability to handle rough weather situations. Those at GMC have spent a lot of time thinking about and creating the new Terrain, and we have some pretty cool upgrades because of it. It also comes with the standard, expected features– Wireless Apple CarPlay along with Android Auto Head-up Display New renderings of the front and rear fascias A new rendering of the entire interior styling But there is so much more to this crossover. Let’s take a closer look at why the 2024 GMC Terrain SLT is a better option for your family than a minivan. A Luxury Driver What makes luxury crossovers enticing as a minivan alternative is the fact that they usually come with energy-efficient engines and body designs drawn for maneuverability and roominess. In fact, the biggest issue with crossovers/SUVs of today is deciding which one fits your lifestyle/family size best. And by “one” we mean which trim level of Terrain, because there are tons of options to choose from. The exterior of the Terrain SLT has been made to look tougher than ever with sharp, bold features in shape—squared front and rear ends, C-shaped corners, and optional LED running lights in the front bumper. Once inside the Terrain, it’s difficult not to feel cozy and comfortable. The center dash is compressed to house the audio and climate controls. Everything is easily accessible due to plenty of shelves and cubbies for holding cell phones and snacks. And with the tasteful chrome trim, you can’t help but feel as though you are riding in a high-class luxury vehicle, rather than something cheap and plastic, like most minivans made today. GMC has always been reaching for luxury with the Terrain. It has always fit the crossover bill, but there is more to it than your typical crossover. Sure there are the basics, such as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, fog lamps, a rearview camera, ambient lighting, and plenty of other standard, modern features, but there’s more. Depending on the level of trim chosen, Terrain drivers can include automatic climate control, a premium pioneer sound system, heated front seats, a sunroof, and leather upholstery, and these are only a handful of the luxurious updates you can add to your new Terrain. What to Look for in a Family Vehicle What should you look for in a family vehicle? Sure, it needs to be safe and roomy and quiet, etc. But, more specifically, what aspects should check the box? The first thing you want to look for is a strong engine. No matter the reason for the purchase of such a vehicle (large family, hauling equipment, etc.) it is important you are not driving something that is powered by an inadequate source. This is why the new GMC Terrain SLT comes with a 4-cylinder Turbo, 1.5-liter engine. This particular engine is able to push 175 horsepower, as well as 203 feet of torque, which is more than enough power to ensure a longer lifespan for the vehicle and for it to pack enough punch to get the job done. Next, you need to make sure your family driver has a quiet and comfortable ride. This is true with the purchase of any vehicle, but bigger cars tend to come a bit loud and with a stiff ride. Luckily, the Terrain SLT has already been proven to counter these big-car issues. Start up any 2024 Terrain and you will notice something wonderful: it’s quiet. The 2024 model has been engineered specifically for silence. Additionally, with its tight construction and smooth suspension the ride is as nice as you will find in any costly minivan or luxury car on the road today. Lastly, you want a vehicle with a good warranty. By choosing the new Terrain SLT you are driving a high-quality machine, but it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst-case scenario. This is, yet another, area where the Terrain SLT shines. With GMC’s Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty, you are covered for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s not all though. There is also the impressive Powertrain Warranty that extends to five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first), so you are able to provide yourself with an extra ounce of security and peace of mind. There are tons of reasons to place yourself inside the GMC Terrain, but its capability to operate as a better minivan is the 2024 Terrain SLT’s biggest selling point amongst those with families. What GMC does extremely well, besides making the toughest trucks, crossovers, and SUVs around, is provide customers with a multitude of options–and people love options. It is a great feeling to have some say in what you buy, especially when the purchase is as large and important as that of a new family vehicle. Come test drive the 2024 Terrain SLT today (and bring the fam!).

The 2024 GMC Sierra Denali is here, impressing Americans everywhere with all a luxury pickup truck can do. With high-end comfort, a slew of luxury features, unmatched style, and a modern suite of technology, the truck looks to do more than most pickups on the market. GMC trucks have long carved out their place as the trucks with raw power, both under the hood and with their towing capabilities. The Denali is built to continue that legacy while offering all that comes with modern luxury vehicles. The 1500 Denali delivers on its promises; it satisfies everyone in the family, from the rugged outdoorsman looking to tow all that’s needed for an outdoor adventure to those looking to ride to their destination in style and comfort. Liberty Buick GMC is ready to help you achieve that future — a world where everyone gets something out of their new family vehicle. Take a look at the new vehicles we have for sale, and consider scheduling an appointment for a test drive! A Pickup Craze Pickup trucks are all the rave right now, and their market share increases year after year. Manufacturers have taken notice of this trend. They seek to make their pickup trucks top-of-the-line models by showing all the models can do instead of letting themselves stay related to the trope of the trucks of old. “Trucks represent about 20% of U.S. sales this year, a tad more than cars. In fact, pickups account for three of the five bestselling vehicles this year.” - Lee Cowan, CBS News This increased demand for trucks has impacted their pricing and the competitiveness that makes a truck stand out. There are countless pickups on the market, so why choose the GMC Sierra Denali? Power, versatility, and luxury are all ways the Denali stands out in a crowded field, and through reading more, you’ll likely come to that same conclusion. The pickup craze isn’t just limited to men. Women have increasingly been looking to purchase high-performing trucks. While some studies say that less than 20 years ago, women were only 10% of the truck sales market, some numbers have that figure more than doubling and place females as nearly a quarter of new truck owners. When you have innovation like the Denali, you’re encouraging more folks than ever to make the jump into pickup ownership. When settling on a truck, you don’t just purchase a vehicle for point A to point B. You purchase a lifestyle. Something culturally significant about trucks has lent itself to this large increase in market share. "I've seen more bar fights over what truck you drive than I've seen anything else. I mean, it's competitive, right? There's no country song about a Camry!" -  Tim Esterdahl, publisher of Pickup Truck + SUV Talk Make sure you buy a truck that you’re proud of! Choose the Sierra Denali. A Next-Level Engine As a nod to those looking for power to support whatever adventures they come across, it’s essential we talk about the Sierra’s engine. This pickup truck doesn’t just provide comfort; it has unrivaled power and is capable of doing everything required of a modern truck and more. Those who purchase a 2024 Denali have a few options with engines, all of which are some of the most impressive options on the market. The 5.3L gas engine offers power and capability and utilizes gas like many other trucks on the market. With 355 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque, this engine offers max towing of loads up to 11,100 lbs. The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel is another option available to Denali owners, and it provides more power in tow (13,100 lbs.) than the 5.3L. The Duramax also packs 495 lb-ft of torque. Notably, this engine offers best-in-class fuel economy, making it a fantastic long-term investment. “The 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine has long been a favorite of Sierra light-duty owners. Since the launch of the refined Duramax for the 2024 model year, around 20% of all Sierra 1500s sold have come with the engine, and we expect its addition to the AT4X trim to take the mix even higher.” - Will Mellon, marketing manager, GMC Sierra. Lastly, the 6.2L V8 Engine — included in all Denali Ultimates and available in the 1500s — offers strength in a gas engine. It yields 420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque, and 13,100 lbs of towing capability, and it combines the previous two engines' best features. The 6.2L V8 also produces dynamic fuel management with 15 city/19 highway mpg. The Denali options leave you in charge of what’s under your hood, inside your interior, and everything in between. Safety and Technology What’s beneath the hood will get you where you need to go, but that’s just a foundation. Without an impressive technology and safety suite, you’ve just got one piece of the puzzle. The Denali doesn’t leave its impressive engine to stand alone; it comes equipped with best-in-class safety features and technology to round out an already advanced truck. The Denali knows it’s a big truck, and parking and rear assist features make fitting into tight areas easier. The truck also utilizes GMC’s set of safety features. Liberty Buick GMC has touched on these before, so we’ll just highlight all that’s included here: Automatic Emergency Braking Following Distance Indicator Forward Collision Alert Front Pedestrian Braking IntelliBeam (auto high beams) Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning And with technology, the Denali intends to impress. Situated in its interior, you’ll find surround sound features that are best used in tandem with the Denali’s infotainment system. This infotainment system gives you access to all the entertainment, information, and mapping you could ever need on the road, all packaged in a slick 13” touchscreen. The system even comes with a tailgating app that makes hauling a cinch. Moreover, a heads-up display casts critical info onto the bottom corner of your windshield to keep you up to date on everything vital while keeping your eyes on the road. Denali drivers and passengers will feel like they stepped into the future; you can read more about GMC’s features through Liberty Buick GMC here! Luxury to Write Home About Part of the Denali’s broad appeal is its status as a luxury truck. Pickup trucks are often seen as rugged, skipping on some bells and whistles for performance. But the Denali challenges that perception and offers niceties that rival any luxury vehicle on the market without sacrificing performance. “It's basically the Maybach of pickups, and once you rocket into these stratospheres, you almost don't want to treat it like a truck at all.” - Kristen Lee, Motor Trend The Denali’s interior stands out as a premier luxury truck, emulating the feel of a cozy cabin. Open-pore Pladeo wood makes up much of the dash, accented by a brown leather interior with eye-catching stitching. A feature unique to the Denali returns, with a topographical map of the Denali appearing on that open-pore wood dash. Best-in-class heated and ventilated seats round out a set of comfort features that will keep you comfortable, even when exploring. The interior is roomy and gives you more legroom than many other trucks on the market. You may be hesitant to treat the Denali like a truck and get the interior dirty. Still, the pickup is designed to handle a bit of everything; remember that even the coziest cabins occasionally have some dirt tracked in! Check out Liberty Buick GMCs model showroom for a detailed look into what the Denali has in store. Liberty Buick GMC - A Luxury Dealership It’s not enough to just buy a luxury truck — you must start the process with luxury, and Liberty Buick GMC is the dealership for that. Through quick and attentive care, qualified sales professionals, and years of experience and deliverables for the Matthews Community, our dealership has proven to be among the best. “My dealerships are unique in that we are large enough to have the needed inventory but small enough to know you personally. We believe in doing what is right for our team and our customers.” - Scott McCorkle, Owner Thousands of reviews support this sentiment. Take this one from Rich as an example. He bought a Sierra 1500 Denali and was as impressed with the dealership as he was with the truck! Don’t hesitate to get your hands on a luxury truck while having a luxury vehicle buying experience. Reach out to Liberty Buick GMC today!

The GMC Sierra HD is known for being both the perfect mix of a luxury driver and a rugged machine, capable of pulling the Titanic out of the water and offering a smooth ride while doing it. What truck drivers love about GMC pickups is this luxurious power: a base powertrain of a 10-speed automatic transmission, 401-horsepower, 6.6-liter, V-8 engine; or the 10-speed automatic transmission, 470-horsepower Duramax turbo-diesel with a V-8 engine–with 22,500 pounds of maximum conventional towing. Impressed? You should be. And there’s more… America’s favorite truck is also loved for its innovative trailer assist features: Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert, Transparent Trailer View, plus adaptive cruise control with trailering. But for seasoned Sierra truck drivers, these tout-worthy features are nothing new. So, what’s new for the 2024 models? Plenty! New Features of the 2024 Sierra GMC’s largest pickup gets a slight facelift in the 2024 model, as well as a revised powertrain that allows for more towing capability, but that’s not all. The all-new 2024 Sierra HD also comes with a modernized front fascia and LED headlights and taillights with sequential turn signals. The power and torque levels of the 6.6-liter Duramax turbocharged diesel V-8 have been pumped up to 470 horsepower and it offers 975 pound-feet of torque. Another big change is the replacement of the 401-horsepower, 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine’s automatic transmission with a (Allison-certified) 10-speed automatic transmission–one that is usually reserved for diesel engines, so you know it’s tough. What’s more, there is a new Denali Ultimate trim that comes in the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD that displays a higher level of luxury than any other trim level. The Denali Ultimate includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and door panels; a 16-way power-adjustable front heated and cooled messaging front seat (both driver and passenger) that includes intricate leather stitching that creates a topographic map of Alaska’s Mount Denali. And let’s not forget the new trailering technology with adaptive cruise control with gross combination weight alert and the famous Transparent Trailer View–now available for gooseneck and fifth wheel trailering. There’s also Sierra HD’s standard driver assistance tech, which has been expanded for 2024, and the AT4X off-road trim has added an AEV Edition that comes with steel bumpers, more durable skid plates, and AEV 18-inch wheels. A Look Under the Hood At the standard, base level the 2024 Sierra HD comes with a 6.6-liter, V-8 engine that offers 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission, plus rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and there is an optional Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V-8 that has 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque that works through an Allison-certified 10-speed automatic engine. The new, massive, Duramax is already being noted for its smooth ride and quality performance. Compared to its heavy-duty competitors, it’s a bit more agile and refined. For all 3500 HD models, you can choose from a single-wheel or a dual-rear-wheel (dually) axle. A Capacity for Raw Power The Sierra 3500 HD is by far the strongest of the GMC pickups, as it can pull as much as 36,000 pounds. In order to pull that much weight, the 3500 comes with a diesel engine, regular cab, rear-wheel-drive, a dual-rear-wheel axle, and a gooseneck hitch. Now, if 36,000 pounds is a bit much–say, you need 32,000-pound capability–then you can go for the same truck, only with a fifth-wheel hitch. The next best in line is the Sierra 2500 HD, which is offered with a single-rear-wheel axle and can tow 22,500 pounds. Surprising Fuel Economy Unfortunately, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality does not assess the fuel economy of large trucks such as the Sierra HD, so we have to rely on independent tests which, thankfully, are already out there. At least for the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD there is. With the diesel engine, it earned 17 mpg on the highway, which is right up there with the Silverado 2500 LTZ crew cab and the Ram 2500 Tradesmen regular cab–both also with diesel engines. So, though there is not much to report on this front, the little information we have is good news for Sierra truck drivers. Comfort and Quality The comfort and quality of the all-new Sierra HD is simply unmatched. This is because GMC realized that comfort doesn’t only mean plush seating and soft-touch materials. True comfort is created when there is more space to move within and reposition. We like our space and when we can’t move about a bit, well, we begin to feel uncomfortable. The interior of the 2500 HD and the 3500 HD come with an expansive dashboard full of user-friendly controls and switches. The bucket seats and full center console offer plenty of wiggle room and the plush seating offers comfort at every position. Drivers have an optional head-up display, heated steering wheel, heated (and cooled) front seats, and wireless device charging, and no matter which option you go with, there are soft-touch surfaces and extra durable plastics used throughout the truck. The Denali Ultimate trim comes with leather-wrapped interior pieces, Paldao wood trim, and a light micro suede headliner.   Once inside the truck, one will quickly realize that its luxury and design do not overshadow the practicality of the vehicle. The noticeable passenger space in the crew cab, the plentiful interior cubby storage both offer aid on those long trips. And this doesn’t only go for the inside of the truck: the long cargo boxes with built-in steps on both sides of the bed allow for easy access to storage, and the rear bumper has steps on each corner to allow for an easy step into the bed, rather than the usual necessity to lift and crawl oneself into the truck bed. The cargo boxes can also be customized with LED lighting, movable tie-downs, and a 120-volt outlet. Most impressive though is the innovative multi-function tailgate that has six different positions easily turning it into a workbench or surface. This is perfect for anyone who needs to work on the go and doesn’t feel like or have the time for sitting in a coffee shop. Now, anywhere you go, your office can be with you. Tech Features No matter which 2024 Sierra HD you choose, you are guaranteed a high-quality touchscreen Infotainment System that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s true that base models have a few less option in terms of technology features, but you can still opt for one to be outfitted with a 120-volt outlet and a mobile hotspot. The Sierra’s Infotainment System includes easy-to-use knobs and buttons that are made of quality plastic that won’t break or fade after years of use. The 8-inch touchscreen can be upgraded with built-in navigation, a Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Drivers can also get a 13.4-inch Infotainment touchscreen that comes with Google Built-in, split-screen navigation that seamlessly connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There truly is no other truck the Sierra HD series of stalwart, luxury drivers. Whether you need a truck for towing or more for a family driver, the Sierra HD has a model for you. Come see us at Liberty Buick GMC today and test drive your new favorite truck.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike is coming to a historical head. The strike specifically impacts three major automotive manufacturers: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis. Though it emerged on September 15, we won’t feel or understand the full effects of the strike on the market overall until more time has passed. That said, we know the strikes will impact the automotive industry as a whole. And consumers have a few pressing questions, such as: “Should you buy now knowing that cars may cost more later?” If you’re unsure, it might be a good idea to check prices on the vehicles you’ve been eyeing for some time and consider moving on to buying a new vehicle. Liberty Buick GMC is especially poised to help you make that purchase; you’ll have confidence in the price and leave with less fear of what the future market could bring. Don’t let worry prevent you from making the smart move. Reach out to our dealership today to close the deal on one of the fantastic new models we offer! This Strike’s Place in History The 2023 UAW strike has captured the attention of many. It has received hours of press coverage, and as of September 26, is the first strike ever joined by a sitting US President. This is not the first strike, but the most recent one before 2023 occurred in 2019. Founded in 1935, the UAW has been intimately involved with the automotive industry and has existed through many changes, actions, and strikes. The Union also survived the 2008 recession and its impact on employee benefits and pensions. We’ve seen so many strikes this year some experts have dubbed it “The Summer of Strikes.” And the automotive industry isn’t unique — many also know about the writer’s strike in Hollywood. Many of these labor actions are expected to persist through the year's end. To put the scale of these strikes into perspective: In 2023, some 362,000 auto workers went on strike—an astronomical jump from 36,000 auto workers over the same period just two years ago. This strike arose due to recent growth in the US automotive industry. With record gains due to the booming SUV and truck markets—in which American manufacturers have traditionally invested and pursued innovation—many workers feel they deserve more benefits, pay, and support in proportion to the growth. You can see this innovation and understand the shift in the market by looking at the SUV and truck pages at Liberty Buick GMC. “The North America Automotive Market size is expected to grow from USD 0.94 trillion in 2023 to USD 1.22 trillion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.43% during the forecast period (2023-2028).” - Mordor Intelligence The UAW’s Demands So what exactly are the UAW organizers and Union members demanding for the strike to end? And how will this affect the length of the strike? While many companies in the automotive industry seem far away from the union demands, these four points drive many of the strikes: Wage Increase of around 40% – A substantial wage increase is perhaps the most prominent demand and one in which the UAW seems most unmoving. This is deeply rooted in the growth and anticipated growth outlined earlier. Reinstating Cost of Living Protections – Major automotive manufacturers did away with cost-of-living adjustments in the post-2008 recession world. The UAW is demanding those benefits back going forward. Ending the Two-Tier System – This may be the most confusing to those out of the loop. New hires make less than veterans since the changes made after 2008. It takes eight years for a hire to make it to the top rate; now, the UAW is pushing for a 90-day period to achieve that same pay. Increased Job Security Amid a Changing Automotive Landscape – It’s no secret electric vehicles and hybrids seem to be the next step for the automotive industry. Liberty Buick GMC, for example, has much of its new inventory represented by these energy-efficient vehicles. And with the increase in popularity, many working in automotive manufacturing are concerned it could put them out of a job. These are the most represented demands, but others include a four-day work week (with overtime pay over 32 hours), increased union representation in new plants, and improved work conditions overall. Inventory, Cost, and the Consumer Impact Now that you’re up to speed on the strike, how can you expect it to impact you as a consumer? We have some good news: it will likely take time for you to feel the effects, “Analysts say there is a risk that the strike could eventually push supplies down and prices up, but that would take a long time to materialize.” - Camila Domonoske, NPR Liberty Buick GMC is located in Matthews, NC —near the Charlotte GM plant—where strikes could grow and continue. Factory strikes could make it difficult for brands connected to GM to find parts, especially as the strikes spread and become larger. Because Liberty Buick GMC sells vehicles from GM, our customers may feel the impact of the strike’s connection to the local plant. Pete DeVito, a United Service Workers Union (USWU) representative representing car dealerships like ours, had this to say: “It could mean cars that need repairs are stuck at dealerships or body shops for two months, for three months, when it should be there for two or three weeks because they can't get a part." Some dealerships are more prepared than others with stocked-up supplies, but those can only last so long. With the uncertainty of the strike duration, now is an excellent time to spring on a repair or overhaul to the vehicle you’ve been sitting on. Liberty Buick GMC’s service department is ready to repair and assist quickly so you can stay prepared and protected. Still, the long-term impacts will continue to be debated and analyzed. Shaw Fain, UAW President and one of the driving forces behind the strike, disagrees with some about its economic impact: “It’s not we’ll wreck the economy. We’ll wreck their economy. The economy that only works for the billionaire class and not the working class.” Others, such as Elon Musk, are confident it will negatively impact the US auto industry and consumers. Musk predicts the UAW demands will “drive GM, Ford, and Chrysler bankrupt in the fast lane.” What’s Next? No one can anticipate when the strikes will end. We can expect that the longer it continues, the more time it will take for the industry to re-correct for some of the shortages identified earlier. Dealerships will be protected in car sales for some time. Large amounts of inventory that have come online after the Covid slowdown will keep inventory and supply high, resulting in competitive prices. Dealerships like Liberty Buick GMC, which has superior supply, will be even better positioned to thrive through a prolonged strike. It’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever; supply could dwindle and increase costs. If you’ve been waiting to buy, consider scheduling an appointment and making the leap! Buying With Liberty Buick GMC If you want to buy a vehicle quickly, be sure to do so with a dealership that’s ready to help. Liberty Buick GMC has helped the Matthews area secure new vehicles at a great price for years. We have hundreds of reviews to confirm this, specifically praising our speed, professionalism, and ability to connect buyers with exactly what they want. Check out this recent review from Mr. Lingerfelt: With great deals, solid inventory, and countless reviews validating our ability to deliver a flawless experience, don’t wait for the market to change or worsen. Come to Matthews and buy with Liberty Buick GMC today!

Driving during any form of severe weather–rain, floods, lightning, hailstorms, high winds–can be tricky. Should I slow down? Do I pull over? Turn on my hazard lights? Knowing what procedure to take during a storm is only one side of the coin. There’s also the element of extreme danger: finding yourself in a flash flood or popup storm can be life-threatening. This is why it is imperative drivers know even the basic guidelines to staying safe while driving in severe weather. There are some basic guidelines for keeping safe while in such a situation. This time of year, these days between summer and fall, strange weather tends to creep through. Wild winds, hail, and even tornados can strike up at any moment. So far, we have already experienced some extreme thunderstorms that have flooded low areas and knocked the power out of varying parts of Matthews and Charlotte. And though anything can happen, this is the type of weather we usually get. When encountering such weather behavior, it’s important to remain calm and rational. When in doubt, turn on the hazards and pull over or off the road. There are plenty of reasons to use your car’s hazard lights. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, one should use them when involved in an accident; approaching cars crossing into your lane; a tire blowout; engine failure; flooded roads; and hydroplaning. If you are slowly making your way through a storm (with your hazard lights on), do your best to stay out from under large trees or, more specifically, large tree branches. All it takes is one strike of lightning to bring one down. And if it’s not difficult enough looking for swaying tree limbs, you also need to be mindful of what’s happening on the road–and not only staying on it. Large puddles can easily form due to poor drainage. Driving into one of these even at a low speed can bring you to a quick halt, and even do some damage to you and/or your car. The following is a list of basic tips for when encountering a side effect we see from one of these severe storms within the city–flooding: If you ever come upon a flooded area of road, slow down as much as possible and approach the water. Put on your hazard lights so other vehicles can see you are alert, and check your surroundings. Turn off the air conditioning or heat to be sure the fan in the engine compartment is not running. If the flooding is high enough, it could damage the fan if it’s circulating. Put the vehicle in the lowest setting possible (first gear if driving a manual, and the + - if an automatic) and slowly enter the flooded area. Move forward at a gradual pace, and keep the steering wheel as straight as possible. Try not to slam on the brakes or accelerate quickly. The goal is to coast through the water smoothly. Stay alert. Once you are halfway or so through the flooded area, do your best not to stop. This could damage the engine and leave you stranded in the water. Keep moving and keep monitoring the water to be sure it is not becoming too deep. If the water happens to be deep enough to cover your hood, stop and put the vehicle in reverse to backtrack. Do this with smooth motions, but move quickly. Once the water begins to decrease, carefully start accelerating until you are completely out. Turn off your hazard lights, put your vehicle into the appropriate gear, and get yourself back up to speed. In these types of situations, it helps if you are driving an SUV. Even a compact one. Something like the GMC Yukon or the GMC Acadia is a great option, as it sits a little higher. GMC’s High Level of Safety Luckily, car companies like GMC, have taken driver safety to a whole new level. Those at GMC know that basic safety begins with what you can see, and luckily they have grouped together various monitoring systems so you can see way more than only what’s in front of you. Here is what GMC has to offer in terms of safety: High Definition Surround Vision This digital bird’s-eye view comes in high definition and gives a crystal clear image of the area around your vehicle when driving at low speeds. The image of your area pops up on the Infotainment display, which helps you to avoid objects and perfectly park in just about any spot. Hitch Guidance with Hitch View Using the Rear Vision Camera, this special feature enables you to align your GMC with a trailer by using a zoom camera that can pan and tilt. Not only that, but once the trailer is connected and you are driving down the road, you can view the trailer while driving. Rear Camera Mirror What we like about this camera is that you can use it inside the mirror or you can use the camera mirror display, which gives a clear, wide image and you can zoom and tilt vertically. While GMC has drivers covered on what they can see (by allowing you to see all around your vehicle in real time), what about those severe weather situations where you can't see what is happening? A heavy rainstorm or, worse, a hailstorm. GMC thought of that too and has provided some amazing sensory safety technology. Check it out: Following Distance Indicator This clever tool is set to keep you at a particular distance behind the vehicle in front of your vehicle (you can readjust the setting to be closer or farther if you like). If your car creeps up too close, the Following Distance Indicator will alert you immediately so you can quickly apply the brake and back off a bit. Forward Collision Alert Similar to the previous feature, Forward Collision Alert uses sensors to indicate the space between you and the vehicle ahead, only this detects and alerts when a front-end collision is imminent; for instance, if the vehicle ahead is at a complete stop as you come upon it, the Forward Collision Alert feature will give you more time to apply the brake even if the collision is still going to happen. This is one feature you hope to never have to use, but it's one that can definitely save your life if you ever do. Front and Rear Park Assist Park assist detects objects or people around you when you are driving at low speeds—typically, used when parking or navigating through congested areas. We have found this feature to improve even the worst of parallel parkers. Lane Departure Warning This warning feature can be turned on or off by the driver, and it’s perfect for longer drives, as it helps to keep you from drifting out of your lane. When you are driving, and you begin to veer, the steering wheel will tighten (not completely, but enough to get your attention) so you know to make the correction. If you are changing lanes, simply apply the blinker to disengage the Lane Departure Warning. Safety Alert Seat This specialized seat vibrates and pulses at the bottom of the chair for various warnings. This feature is an option instead of having auditory or visual warnings. This is a great option to keep you safe when you have a car full of talkative kids, or you feel like blasting your favorite song. Now you are covered visually and when you are driving in severe conditions. There is one more step GMC has taken. The most advanced safety technology is that which can presuppose possible accidents before they even happen. Check out what GMC has to offer in this high-tech area: Adaptive Cruise Control—Advanced This is one of our favorite safety features, as it enhances regular cruise control by incorporating specialized sensors and radar technology so that your car can adapt to the driving conditions around it. For example, once you have set the preferred distance between your car and those ahead of it, Adaptive Cruise Control—Advanced, will speed your car up or slow it down in order to maintain that distance. Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking When driving below 50 miles per hour, this feature will alert you if there is the potential for a front-end collision, and it will also automatically apply emergency braking if the driver does not respond quickly enough. This safety feature works for pedestrians as well. If the Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking system detects a person, or people—even animals—it will alert the driver and begin braking.

Is it still a good idea to buy a gas-powered car? Predictions on the migration to electric vehicles. With a wave of popularity, electric vehicles are beginning to carve out more than their own small corner of the automotive industry. In fact, EVs seem to be taking over. So what does this say about the future of gas-powered vehicles? Are they doomed, or is there still enough reason to buy and drive them? Let’s find out. Nobody wants to be stuck with antiquated technology. This is why people jump to get the newest iPhone regardless of whether they actually need it or not. Getting left behind the times doesn’t feel good, but what feels worse is the possibility of buying an expensive item that is soon to be obsolete. Imagine purchasing a shiny, new gas-powered vehicle only to find out that everything is soon to be electric. Will individual parts for gas-guzzlers still be in production in the near future? Will gas stations ever begin shutting down? These questions would seem crazy if asked 20 years ago, but today these make sense—they are legitimate concerns. One way to find out if the future is truly electric only or not is to look at what the big car companies are saying. For instance, NPR recently published an interview with the heads of the Ford Motor Company to discuss Ford’s struggling EV sales: “Legacy automakers have struggled to make EVs profitably. Ford lost a billion dollars on its EV unit last quarter…The company loses money on every Ford Lightning it sells — and that was before it knocked thousands of dollars off the sticker price this summer, trying to keep up with a Tesla-triggered price war that's pulling EV prices down.” This statement alone bodes well for gas over electric–but we can’t stop reading there. Look at what Ford’s response is to such a massive financial loss: “Despite setbacks, the company that revolutionized the auto industry with the Model T is determined to be a major player in the electric revolution, too.” The fact that a venerable car company, that is currently losing big money on EVs, is still willing to plug ahead with its EV line says something. Not only that, it looks as though most car companies (worldwide) plan to only produce and sell EVs by the year 2035. Despite the present hiccup in EV sales (at least for Ford), the electric-powered car doesn’t seem to be in danger of disappearing. So what of the gas-powered older sibling to the EV? Is it safe to purchase one or will it turn out to be a massive waste of money? If you think about it, right now might be the best time to buy either a gas- or an electric-powered vehicle. Or both! 2035 is over 10 years away, so going gas isn’t necessarily a bad idea, as we aren’t going to see gas stations or replacement parts disappear anytime soon. On the other side of that, electric is growing in leaps and bounds and we are seeing charging stations pop up all over the country. So the answer is to buy whatever you want…for now. If the future truly is to be electric, there will be a time (within the next 10-12 years?) when going gas-powered will be futile. But that time has yet to come, and we suggest keeping an eye on what major car companies are doing–not the number of EV sales, but what they plan to do. And for now, it looks like they are all plugging in to electric.

Across the country, housing prices have soared, and the outlook for an affordable market is still far off in the future. Much of this is due to the lack of housing being built, which slowed down drastically post-2008 and has yet to recover. “Housing supply remains at near historic lows—especially entry-level supply-–consequently propping up demand and sustaining higher home prices.” - Forbes Advisor. So, if you’re in the market for a home, you’ve likely felt this pressure. Because of that, more folks than ever are moving towards tiny home living and taking their life on the road. RV and tiny home living has exploded over the past few years because of this tough housing market and the benefits they offer. Though you can’t hit the road with just any vehicle, you’ll need a capable, dependable, and powerful vehicle that can move you and your new home across the country and many landscapes. But GMC has the answer to just that. Liberty Buick GMC offers many trucks that can out-compete nearly any vehicle on the market. Leaving you with one less thing to worry about as you hit the road. The Tiny Home Boom According to a survey by HomeAdvisor, a large percentage of Americans (86%) say they would live in a tiny home. That’s a surprising statistic, meaning more Americans than ever are looking for advice on how to begin their mobile journey.   Affordability is one of the main reasons for the move to tiny home living, echoing the dire housing market we outlined earlier, but it isn’t the only benefit of tiny home living. Those looking to downsize into tiny living can anticipate a number of positives — No Mortgage - Being locked into a mortgage for decades can be daunting, leaving many families with no light at the end of the tunnel. Investing in a tiny home can break a cycle of mortgage debt and leave you with some extra monthly cash to splurge on things you were missing out on! Reduce Carbon Footprint - For those who are environmentally conscious, downsizing your home is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Larger homes require more energy, construction materials, etc. resulting in overall more impact on carbon output. Easier To Furnish - Furnishing a new home can be one of the biggest headaches of a new move. Finding the perfect piece for every room is difficult and leaves people searching and tweaking their decor for years after settling in. A tiny home leaves less work for that decorating and lets you get your new home in order in record time. Flexibility - Being able to relocate is arguably one of the biggest perks of tiny home living. Road trips are just the start of the advantages of having a home that’s easily moved. Don’t like your neighbors? In need of new scenery? Looking to move closer to family? Whatever the case, you’ve got home ready to move, leaving you with one less worry! Affordable Utilities - Tied to the reduction in your carbon footprint, less house means less you don’t need to pay as much in utilities to get everything you need. This translates to more money saved, letting you spend on what else matters! Though questions related to zoning laws, costs, and limitations of one’s ability to haul their home leave many asking for more information. Where To Begin? Joining this growing trend can be daunting, leaving many families with one question — “Where do we start?” Most tiny homes are already on wheels as a way to get around some standards related to minimum housing size regulations. This is a bonus because it allows you to travel on a whim. It’s essential you have a vehicle capable of moving your tiny home before you make the leap. But knowing what vehicle will get it down can prove to be a challenge. Though tiny homes are just that, tiny! So you won’t necessarily need the most powerful truck on the market to haul your new home. Light to medium-duty vehicles will handle much of your potential load. GMC’s 2023 Canyon is a perfect fit when it comes to mid-size trucks. The Canyon is shorter and narrower than the Sierra, its larger GMC truck counterpart, by about 3.5 inches and nearly six inches, respectively. Even with the size discrepancy, the truck is more than capable of hauling a tiny home. GMC Global Vice President Duncan Aldred puts it best, “GMC is flexing the might of our off-road muscle. (The) Canyon benefits from key learnings gained from our AT4 strategy to bring customers the most advanced off-road midsize truck.” The Canyon will be the first mid-size truck that combines a handful of revolutionary features. Underbody cameras Digital driver information center Available Google built-in features Available head-up display Wireless Appleplay and Android Auto compatibility And Liberty Buick GMC has experience in connecting customers with the excellent GMC Canyon. Look no further than their countless positive reviews — Moving away from the trend-setting mid-size Canyon is GMC’s Sierra. GMC’s 2023 Sierra is a heavy-duty truck that can do everything, including quickly hauling your tiny home. The 2023 Sierra offers unparalleled off-roading capabilities and can haul nearly anything you can conceptualize, with the capability of moving over 13,000 pounds —  that’s a weight that can many things, like your future tiny home! Trucks aren’t the only vehicle that is capable of hauling tiny homes. Several of GMC’s SUVs have hauling capability that would be able to handle the load of your new home. While we would recommend a truck because of the storage capacity, here are some solid SUVs fit for a road trip. The Yukon and Yukon XL, Acadia, and Terrain all offer spacious SUVs equipped for off-roading, going long distances, and hauling thousands of pounds. So, if SUVs are more your style, look at the 2023 models through Liberty Buick’s digital showroom. Seizing on Freedom Once you hit the road in your new GMC, hauling your tiny home in tow, you’ll have a newfound sense of freedom and some distance from your past rent or mortgage costs! But freedom is one thing; knowing what to do with it is another. Thankfully, the growing trend in those who’ve chosen the independent lifestyle on the road has illuminated a handy roadmap to enjoying your newfound freedom.  Here are some of the best sites to visit once you’re on the road — Gunnison National Forest, Colorado. - 1,672,136 acres spanning huge swaths of Colorado gives anyone with a sense of adventure limitless places to explore and set up camp. It borders several other national forests, positioning it as the perfect destination to get the most out of a long west journey. Big Bend National Park, Texas - Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas along the border of Mexico. The park encompasses an area of 801,163 acres and includes a large piece of the Rio Grande, the natural boundary between Mexico and the United States. Folks who travel there can expect to see an impressive amount of biodiversity and immerse themselves in the impressive deserts of the Americas. Acadia National Park, Maine - Being in North Carolina, we know — the Western USA doesn’t hold all the spots with adventure and fun. Acadia National Park has quickly become a must-visit destination for those living on wheels—47,000 acres of land, including islands off the coast of Maine. Folks looking to camp can easily find public land to park their new home and take all the time needed to explore this east coast gem. Why a GMC Truck? When picking a vehicle to haul your new lifestyle, you must be sure you’re picking the perfect partner. Car and Driver has consistently honored GMC as a standout brand when it comes to towing. Both the Canyon and the Sierra are recognized as top-of-the-line competitors in the towing game. The Canyon is capable of hauling 7,700 pounds and the Sierra 13,200, one of the many reasons the trucks are highlighted. If you’re settled on the brand, knowing where to buy your next GMC truck is the important next step. Make the first destination on your road trip to Matthews, North Carolina, so you can visit Liberty Buick GMC and be equipped for a life of travel and adventure. Call and schedule an appointment today to start the next chapter of your life, filled with road trips!

Introducing the 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500: Off-Road and Luxury at Their Finest The newest 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 models are coming soon, and by all appearances, they’re nothing short of impressive. If you’re someone who loves the combination of power, utility, and comfort in a pickup truck, you’re probably eager to dive in and learn more about these new models. Whether you're a Liberty Buick GMC customer or just a fellow truck-lover, buckle up and get ready to learn more about what makes these new models stand out from the crowd! 2024 GMC Sierra HD Models GMC trucks have a longstanding reputation for combining power and luxury. And after seeing the 2024 Sierra HD models, that combination has never been represented more powerfully. Here are a few of the many reasons to consider a new Sierra HD: Unmatched Power and Towing Capacity One of the most impressive aspects of the new 2024 Sierra HD models is the power they bring to the table. With a new 6.6-liter V8 engine that delivers up to 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque, these trucks are a force to be reckoned with.   Towing a trailer, hauling a heavy load, navigating rough terrain — you can trust the Sierra HD to handle the job with ease. In fact, it boasts a best-in-class towing capacity of up to 36,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's not something you'll find in any other truck on the market! Advanced Technology Features It's not all about brawn with these new models. They also come packed with advanced technology features that make them a pleasure to drive. For example, the available 13.4-inch infotainment screen provides crisp, clear visuals and is uber-easy to navigate.   You can also enjoy features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Further, the Sierra HD offers a range of safety features, a few of which include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and a variety of camera systems to help you navigate even the tightest spots. Comfort and Convenience Features Comfort and convenience become top priorities when you spend long hours on the road or at the job site. Luckily, the 2024 Sierra HD models offer plenty of perks to enhance your driving experience.   From the available heated and ventilated front seats to the Bose premium sound system, everything has been designed to help you stay comfortable and entertained on the go. And when it's time to get to work, you'll appreciate the available power up/down tailgate and the industry-first power-up/-down tailgate with hitch view, which makes hooking up a trailer a breeze. Customization Options Everyone's needs are different when it comes to a work truck, and GMC was intentional about offering plenty of customization options with the 2024 Sierra HD models. You can choose from a range of trim levels and configurations, each with unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for a basic work truck or a fully-loaded luxury model, there's something for you.   At the end of the day, the 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 models are the ultimate work-life trucks. They offer unmatched power and towing capacity, advanced technology features, and plenty of comfort and convenience features to make your life easier.   And with endless customization options, you can create a truck that meets your exact needs. If you're in the market for a heavy-duty pickup truck, connect with Liberty Buick GMC today to learn about the new Sierra HD models! All-New 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X The 2024 model year marks the first time that the Sierra HD gets the AT4X package, which comes with a wealth of impressive features for those who love to go off the beaten path. Here are some of the highlights: Engine: The AT4X comes standard with a robust 6.6L V8 Gas Engine, paired with an Allison® 10-Speed Automatic Transmission. Suspension and Off-Road Capabilities: The truck features Multimatic™ DSSV Dampers and a rear E-Locking Differential. It's also equipped with 35-inch mud-terrain tires, protective skid plates, and a factory-installed 1.5-inch suspension lift. Interior Comfort: The Sierra HD AT4X offers heated and ventilated 16-way adjustable seats. In addition, it's designed with an Obsidian Rush interior scheme featuring massaging leather seats. Audio System: The truck comes with a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing exceptional sound quality for your favorite tunes. Trim Details: The GMC Sierra HD AT4X uses genuine Vanta Ash wood for the trim pieces, adding a touch of luxury. Model Configuration: The GMC Sierra HD AT4X is available only as a 2500HD Crew Cab Standard Bed four-wheel drive.   Remember, this is an upcoming model set to join the Sierra lineup for the 2024 model year, so more information will become available as the release date approaches. Let’s dive into a bit more of what we know about this wonder of a pickup: Heavy-Duty Meets Off-Road The Sierra HD AT4X is no ordinary truck. GMC introducing the AT4X package in the 2022 Sierra 1500, but the 2024 model year is the first we’ll see it in an HD model. This beast is designed to overcome the adversities of the trail with its factory-installed 1.5" suspension lift, significantly enhancing ground clearance. In other words, it will have your back as you navigate those rocky terrains!   What's more, the Sierra HD AT4X effortlessly handles tough work both on- and off-road. It boasts an impressive 18,500-pound max trailering capacity, so it won’t break a sweat when hauling a heavy load or pulling your adventure gear. Why Choose the AT4X? You might be wondering, "What sets the AT4X apart from the rest?" Well, the AT4X is not just powerful; it's specifically engineered to tackle off-road obstacles. Its suspension travel measures 9.8 inches at the front and 10.6 inches at the rear. That's some serious flex for overcoming those intense backcountry hurdles!   If you're as excited as we are about the 2024 GMC Sierra HD AT4X, keep an eye out for it this fall. Don't just read about it — experience it for yourself by scheduling a test drive with Liberty Buick GMC. Life's an adventure. Make sure you have a truck that's up for the challenge! 2024 GMC Sierra AT4X vs. Standard AT4 There’s a lot of buzz going on around the upcoming Sierra HD models, especially the all-new AT4X. But you may wonder what the difference is between the AT4X and standard AT4. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two options: Power Under the Hood When it comes to raw power, both models are impressive. The standard AT4 comes with a 6.6L V8 gas engine that's nothing to scoff at. But the AT4X takes it up a notch with the same 6.6-liter gas V8 but delivers 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. So if you're all about power, the AT4X might be your go-to. Built for Adventure For those who love off-roading, the AT4X has a steeper approach angle (31.6 versus 29.8 degrees) compared to the standard AT4. What does this mean for you? It means your AT4X is better equipped to tackle steep inclines without damaging the front of your truck. That's one less thing to worry about as you navigate the road less taken! Price Considerations While both trucks are sturdy and powerful, they do come with different price tags. If you're budget-conscious, keep in mind that the AT4X starts at $83,695, while the standard AT4 starts at $70,995. Of course, your final price will depend on the specific configuration and upgrades you choose. Additional Features The AT4X also comes with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, making it ready to face the adversities of the trail. Whether it's a rocky terrain or a muddy path, the AT4X is up to the challenge.   Both the standard AT4 and AT4X are excellent choices. However, if you're looking for more power, better off-road capabilities, and don't mind spending a bit extra, the AT4X could be the perfect fit. On the other hand, the standard AT4 should serve you well if you want a solid, reliable truck without some of the extra bells and whistles.   Remember that the best truck for you depends on your needs and lifestyle. Take your time, do your research, and choose the one that feels right for you! 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate The 2024 GMC Sierra HD Denali Ultimate is all about delivering a high-end experience. With a bold exterior available in various configurations and an interior boasting Alpine Umber upholstery with full-grain leather, open-pore Paldao wood trim, and heated, ventilated front seats with a massage function, you're sure to enjoy every moment inside this luxury suite on wheels.   Under its hood, the Denali Ultimate houses a gas-powered 6.6-liter V-8 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission capable of generating 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. The truck is also packed with advanced technology including a head-up display, camera-based rear-view mirror, retractable running boards, and the GM Super Cruise with trailering for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The starting price for this luxurious and powerful truck is $91,900. The Importance of Having a Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck A good pickup truck is more than just a car — it’s a reliable tool you can use for work or for fun. At Liberty Buick GMC, we understand just how important it is to have a pickup truck that you can trust. That’s why we only sell trucks that shine in dependability. Safety First and foremost, having a dependable pickup truck means that your safety is prioritized. A heavy-duty pickup truck is designed to withstand tough conditions on and off the road, so you can rest assured you’re secure while driving. Whether you’re towing a heavy load or driving through harsh terrain, you’ll want a vehicle that can handle the job without putting you at risk. Durability A heavy-duty pickup truck is built to last, and investing in one can save you money in the long run. Dependable pickup trucks can perform for many years through extreme weather, rough terrains, and carrying heavy loads. They’re less likely to break down or require repairs. And, in case your truck does need repairs, it’s easier to find quality parts and services for a popular model like the GMC Sierra. Versatility Having a dependable pickup truck means that you can enjoy superior versatility for both work and play. For example, you can use your truck for transporting goods, towing heavy loads, or even as a vacation vehicle for an off-road adventure. A reliable truck can handle multiple uses and terrains, so it’s an excellent investment for anyone who wants a vehicle that does than one thing. Resale Value Investing in a heavy-duty pickup truck is a wise move if you ever plan on reselling your truck. Dependable vehicles are valued more and tend to have a better resale price than their cheaper counterparts. Trucks that provide years of dependable service retain their value, making them a better long-term investment. Confidence Lastly, having a dependable truck gives you added confidence. You don't have to worry about breaking down on your journey, meaning you can focus on the road ahead instead of worrying about your truck's performance. A reliable pickup can help you tackle any project with ease and provides an extra sense of security so you can focus on other things when on the road. Wrapping Up The upcoming 2024 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 models represent a new benchmark in heavy-duty trucks. The introduction of the all-new Sierra HD AT4X version, with its enhanced off-road capability and other features, further expands the lineup's appeal. These trucks aren't just workhorses; they offer advanced tech, comfort, and style that make them suitable for everyday use.   Whether you're towing large loads, venturing off the beaten path, or simply driving around town, GMC heavy-duty trucks offer unquestionable dependability to enhance your experience. The 2024 Sierra HD models continue the tradition of blending strength and sophistication, reaffirming that owning a reliable, heavy-duty truck can be both a practical decision and a personal indulgence!