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A new entry-level crossover from GMC is getting closer to production. Spy photographers caught a heavily camouflaged version of the vehicle -- it is smaller than the compact GMC Terrain -- testing for the first time in Arizona. The baby GMC is expected to be based on GM's Gamma-2 architecture that underpins the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Trax in the U.S. The expected subcompact crossover could be called Granite, after a 2010 concept. It is expected to arrive in showrooms in 2020. It's hard to tell many design aspects of the vehicle. GMC has been planning a smaller crossover/SUV for some time. However, unlike early expectations of such a vehicle being a body-on-frame Jeep Wrangler-fighter, the production crossover is expected to compete against the Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V. Duncan Aldred, head of Buick and GMC worldwide, has said a vehicle smaller and less expensive than the Terrain - starting at about $26,000 - is "a logical place" for the brand to expand. It is expected to arrive in showrooms in 2020. (Source: AutoNews)

Models throughout the Chevrolet Camaro range are getting big price deductions for the 2019 model year, and perhaps nowhere is that more important than with the base 1LS model, which will start at $25,995 including destination - a full $1,120 cheaper than the 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost at $27,115. Option both cars with automatic transmissions and the price disparity jumps by another $100 to $1,220. According to Ford Authority, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost model's new $27,115 price tag represents a $370 price bump from 2018 - an odd move, considering that the car's chief rival from GM went in the opposite direction. Still, that price gets you a bigger, 2.3-liter turbocharged I4 engine, and in the case of the automatic, two extra forward gears; Camaro buyers are forced to spring for at least the LT1-powered 1SS in order to get the same ten-speed slushbox. The biggest price drop for the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro has been with respect to the 1LT and 2LT models, which have seen their prices slashed by $1,200 and $3,000, respectively. Yet oddly, the Camaro 1SS and 2SS haven't come down in price at all for the new model year, with the 1SS starting at $37,995 - $1,645 more than a base Ford Mustang GT. (Source: GMAuthority)

DealerRater, the world's leading car dealer review website, has announced the winners of its annual Dealer of the Year Award program. Award recipients are recognized for distinction in outstanding customer service based upon consumer reviews of dealership experiences shared on DealerRater.com and DealerRater.ca. DealerRater's Dealer of the Year Awards are given annually to the top U.S. and Canadian car dealers based on a Bayesian algorithm called PowerScore™, which considers the dealership's average DealerRater star-rating as well as the total number of reviews written about the dealership during the 2017 calendar year. Categories for scoring include customer service, quality of work, friendliness, pricing and overall experience. "This year's Dealer of the Year Award winners stood out because of their dedication to providing superior customer service," said Jamie Oldershaw, General Manager of DealerRater. "Today, deals are won and lost on experience, and it's clear from their online reviews that these dealerships understand how to take care of their customers. DealerRater offers shoppers the opportunity to select the right person at the right dealership so their online experience translates seamlessly to their offline experience, and for dealers this means they are building rapport with an informed, ready-to-buy customer long before shoppers show up on the lot." To qualify for the DealerRater Dealer of the Year Awards, new- and used-car dealers must have had at least 25 new reviews written on DealerRater.com during 2017 and averaged a minimum of a four out of five-star rating. Winners selected to receive the distinction scored the highest within their brand categories nationwide for U.S. and Canada. Jessup Auto Plaza has received Dealer of the Year awards for both the 2017 and 2018 year!

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is giving its pickup bed more cargo space and flexibility than ever before. It's officially been dubbed the Durabed. The new Silverado 1500 bed has the highest cargo volume, box complexity, box length at floor, 12 fixed tie downs and an exclusive tailgate. Chevrolet is making every truck lover's dream come true. The Silverado Short and Standard box are a whopping 10-cubic feet bigger than the 2018 cargo box space. The Short Box comes in at 63-cubic feet, the Standard Box is 73-cubic feet and the Large Box is 89-cubic feet. For 2019, higher-grade steel is being used in the structure of the new Durabed. The quality of the bed floor supplies has been enhanced as well. The availability of the tie-downs has also been improved and are now positioned at varying heights. The bed is also accessible with integrated, in-bed LED lighting and a 110/120-volt power outlet. A light at the top rear cab comes standard on all Silverado models. "The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience," said Tim Herrick, GM executive chief engineer in a statement. "We've added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name-Durabed." You can get a first look and even stretch out in the new bed at your local Chevrolet dealers in the fall.

According to the latest reports demand has been so strong, Buick is looking to make top-of-the-line Avenir models even more luxurious and expensive than they already are. Automotive News reports that Buick is currently selling Enclaves as quickly as it can build them and that 25 percent of all Enclaves sold are Avenirs. Demand even continues to outpace supply despite an increase in Enclave production back in March. Through June of this year, Enclave sales are up 15 percent, and the average transaction price has increased by about $5,000. While a base Enclave costs slightly more than $40,000, the Avenir starts at $54,495, and a fully loaded example easily crosses the $60,000 mark. "We saw the need to provide even more for Enclave, and it was a direct result of sales of the first generation. They were asking for even more options and equipment," Jace Stokes, manager of product marketing for the Enclave, told Automotive News. He also said the success of the new Enclave has forced Buick to reconsider how far it can push the Avenir subbrand. "We certainly have more technology planned," said Stokes. "I think next generation is where we're going to push Avenir further."

As trade tensions and U.S. auto tariff threats circulate the industry, a study recently released aims to paint an accurate picture of a vehicle's true American parts content. General Motors led the pack in the annual Kogod Made in America Auto Index. The Chevrolet Corvette had the highest score of 83.5 points, followed by the Chevrolet Volt, with 83 points. GM placed seven vehicles, including variants, in the top 10. Besides the Corvette and Volt, the Cadillac ATS, the Chevrolet Camaro and the GMC Acadia also placed. The index was created in 2013 by Frank DuBois,a ssociate professor of international business at the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, D.C. If the government applies a 25 percent tariff on all vehicle and parts imports, it will drive up costs of vehicle production, which will be passed along to consumers, DuBois said in a statement. "The price of vehicles will rise and domestic consumption of vehicles will fall. In addition, retaliation by trading partners will make it that much harder for U.S. vehicle exporters and parts producers to win orders in foreign markets," DuBois said. The study also builds off several criteria to determine a vehicle's score, which includes profit margin, labor content, r&d, transmission, inventory capital and other expenses, and body, chassis and electrical components: Profit margin: If the manufacturer is based in the U.S., the model receives 6 points, but FCA models receive 3 points because it's a European-American company. If the manufacturer is based outside the U.S., it receives 0 points. Labor content: If the vehicle is assembled in the U.S., it receives 6 points; if it's not, 0 points. R&D: If the model is a product of a U.S.-based automaker, it receives 6 points. A foreign product assembled in the U.S. shaves 3 points off the score. Imports get only 1 point. Transmission: If the transmission is produced in the U.S., it receives 7 points;if it's not, 0 points. Inventory capital and other expenses: The model receives 11 points if the vehicle is assembled in the U.S. and 0 points if it's not. Body, chassis and electrical components account for half of the vehicle's score. The index is a cross of multiple factors pulled from research conducted by the Center for Automotive Research, which were used to get a net of total domestic content.

With every test drive from now until October 31st, Jessup will be donating to your charity of choice between the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City or Cathedral City Senior City. If you've been thinking about coming in, what better time than now. Sign up for a test drive here today and help us make a difference in our community.

The newest utility SUV that boasts luxurious style inside and out. The all-new 2019 Blazer effortlessly combines style and function, with versatile two-row seating and a modern interior and exterior design. With a range of interior and exterior options, as well as available 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, there's a Blazer to fit your personal style. Chrome accents inside and out, premium-appointed leather and suede microfiber seating surfaces, Premier is the ultimate marriage of utility and beauty. A truly design-focused vehicle, the all-new Blazer sets the standard for what a SUV should be. Featuring a standard 3.6L V6 engine and available AWD on RS and Premier, Blazer is the perfectly sporty SUV ready for all your adventures. Available in early 2019.

This past week we had our 2nd annual Boys & Girls Club barbecue at the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley in Cathedral City. We had so much fun getting the chance to hang out and barbecue with the youth of our local city. We grilled many burgers, and gave away even more beach balls. We even had a group dodge ball session with the kids! We feel honored to have partnered with a customer in being a part of such an amazing organization. We are already looking forward to next year!

Chevy wowed us with its sixth-generation Camaro, which moved to a new platform that blurred the line between sporty coupe and legit sports car. It was liked so much that it was named MotorTrend's 2016 Car of the Year. But that was three years ago, meaning the Camaro is half way through its life cycle. To keep its pony car fresh, Chevy is giving the Camaro a makeover for 2019. The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro features redesigned front and rear ends, as well as more visual differentiation between trim levels. All Camaros except the ZL1 receive new headlights with LED accents that spill over into the grille, along with a reshaped hood. SS models now get a flowtie badge and front bumper "air curtains" that are said to improve the car's aerodynamics. The SS also gets special headlights with a unique LED light signature and a heat extractor vent on the hood. But the big news is the 2019 Camaro's redesigned taillights. Those who disliked the Camaro's move away from quad round taillights will be happy to see that signature design theme return on the 2019 Camaro. The new lights are much more sculpted than before, with three-dimensional elements and a distinct roundness to them that's accentuated by the recesses in the rear bumper. LS and LT models get bright red lenses, while RS, SS, and ZL1 trims get dark-tinted neutral-density lenses. All Camaros get a redesigned rear bumper, but RS and SS models get a unique diffuser when equipped with the Dual Mode Exhaust. The face-lift really changes the sixth-gen Camaro's look, but it's not the only enhancement Chevy made for 2019. The 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed by GM and Ford has finally trickled down from the ZL1 to the SS. The 10-speed option will come with paddle shifters and launch control and line lock features. The 2019 Chevrolet Camaro comes with Chevy's latest infotainment system that is designed to mimic the functionality of today's smartphones and tablets. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen is available when you upgrade to onboard navigation. Even if you don't, the new infotainment system will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as it is on the refreshed Malibu, Cruze, and Spark. Chevy says the new system, called Infotainment 3, can automatically install over-the-air software updates. Were you on the fence about the Camaro before because it didn't offer forward collision warning? Well, now you have no reason not to get one as the feature will be available starting with the 2019 model year. Meanwhile, a Rear Camera Mirror will come standard on 2SS and ZL1 models, offering a wider field of view than a traditional mirror. The regular rearview camera option has also been improved with a digital high-def camera that Chevy says results in a clearer image. Lastly, the Performance Data Recorder system has been improved. The pre-refresh Camaro didn't need much, but these upgrades could help make a great car even greater. Keep your eyes out for a first drive review that should be coming soon.

General Motors' biggest brand is giving the Cruze, Malibu and Spark facelifts, including a more aggressive split grille design, for the 2019 model year. Chevrolet also upgraded the cars' infotainment systems and realigned or added options. Powertrain options, aside from one transmission upgrade for the Malibu, remain unchanged. "The car market today still is very vibrant," Steve Majoros, Chevrolet's marketing director for cars and crossovers, said during a preview event here as part of its 2018 Dealer Business Conference. Many of the changes to the trim options are to lower-priced versions of the cars, where Chevrolet believes most of the growth in the segments will come. "We've created some new models for specific price points where we think the market is going to be," said GM North America President Alan Batey, who also oversees Chevrolet's global operations. The 2019 Spark is expected to begin arriving in dealer showrooms in late summer, followed by the Malibu and Cruze in the fall. Pricing for the 2019 models will be announced at a later date. Malibu Chevrolet is offering a new RS trim package on five models of the 2019 Malibu starting at about $25,000. It includes a black sport grille, black bowtie emblems, a rear spoiler, 18-inch machined wheels and dual-outlet exhaust. The interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and black cloth seats. Other additions for the midsize sedan include standard 8-inch touchscreen on all models and a CVT transmission, which replaces a six-speed automatic, on all models with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Cruze Similar to the Malibu, the 2019 Cruze's front fascia was freshened and the company added a 7-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. Other changes include remote start and automatic climate control standard on LT and Premier models and dual-element taillamps with LED accent lighting on Premium models, among other options. Spark The 2019 Spark's front fascia is a bit less aggressive than the Cruze and Malibu, as it features a large plastic bumper in the middle of the lower grille. Asides from the exterior tweaks and available Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, little changes in the segment-leading mini-car for 2019.

On May 12th the MCCS Twenty-nine Palms Marine Base put on a "We Salute You" concert to celebrate our active duty Marines. Jessup Auto Plaza had the opportunity of giving away a few Meet and Greet passes the band Runaway June and Canaan Smith. In addition, we handed out fun flying disks and coozies to our Marines and family. It was such an honor and a privilege to be able to spend the day on base with the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for our freedom. God Bless America and God Bless our Marines! If you haven't already heard, it's the 4th Annual Motor Mania Giveaway. 16 winners (two per month) will each get a $250 MCX gift card (sponsored by Pacific Marine Credit Union) and 1 of these 16 people will win a brand new, tax free vehicle of their choice up to $30K at the grand prize giveaway on October 26, 2018 (sponsored by Jessup Auto Plaza). *Applies to active duty members and spouses only. Click here to enter now, we encourage you to enter every month (new giveaways start on the 1st), and wish you GOOD LUCK.