Phillips Chevrolet

Phillips Chevrolet's general welcomes Chicago Bears' starting cornerback, Charles "Peanut" Tillman. He will be taking delivery in a new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro! In the near future, Peanut will be visiting Phillips Chevy again for an autograph signing. Stay tuned!

The Village of Frankfort presented Phillips Chevrolet with the Beautification Award in recognition of outstanding landscaping in a business district!

Phillips Chevrolet is continuing to support Frankfort through a partnership with Frankfort Square Baseball League. Phillips Chevy recently donated $500 to the youth league for equipment purchases. The effort by Phillips Chevrolet is part of the Chevy Youth Baseball initiative sweeping the nation from March through July 2010.

Phillips Chevrolet has Illinois' Largest Chevy Inventory! We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and are one of the Largest Chevy Dealers in the United States. Visit us at www.phillipschevy.com. View our specials!

Win a new 2010 Equinox or 2010 Malibu Raffle tickets are available to purchase by contacting John Mutter at (815) 514-7980 or Matt Braley at (815) 651-9756.

 
General Motors has begun offering "Chevrolet Wi-Fi" in seven of its current generation Chevrolet vehicles: Equinox,Traverse, Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, and Express. The service is provided by Autonet Mobile, the hardware is installed by Chevrolet dealers and lets vehicle broadcast a 150-foot radius Wi-Fi hotspot. The router has a two-year service agreement with Autonet Mobile. Chevrolet Wi-Fi offers speeds up to 1.5Mbps, and general 3G performance of around 400-800kbps downlink and 128-300kbps uplink. The service's 2G speeds are considerably lower at 120-200kbps downlink and 50-100kbps uplink.

This past Sunday, May 2, Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort, Illinois was a sponsor for the Third Annual Do the Griff 4 mile run to benefit the local school district. We sponsored the Chevy Corvette that was the pace car for the event!

It was a beautiful 4 mile run through historic Frankfort's Butternut subdivision adjacent to Lincoln-Way East. Appropriately for this event, the final lap was run around the East school track.

Great students, athletes, parents, school administrators, teachers, and local community members came out to support this either as a runner or to cheer the runners on.

Proceeds raised from sponsorships and entry fees benefit the students of Lincoln-Way East High School & other local schools.

If you've been to any parades in the Lincoln-Way area, whether it was Loyalty Day, Fourth of July or Fall Fest, chances are you've seen or heard Happy Bettenhausen.

He figures he's participated in 114 parades. Years ago, he would ride on a float he designed for Phillips Chevrolet and play accordion with his polka band.

"At 85, I can't do that anymore," Happy says. Now he drives a cool car while toe-tapping music emits from speakers mounted on the roof. No matter. Happy is doing what he loves twofold: playing the accordion and promoting Phillips Chevrolet, both of which he's been doing for decades.

"I'm going to start work tomorrow on a float for the New Lenox Loyalty Day parade (May 2)," he said from his desk at Phillips, where he still comes to work five days a week. He opens the place up, makes the coffee (116 cups a day), writes the weekly newsletter (he's penned 525 to date), tends to the plants and test drives used cars.

"I could quit if I wanted to, but I want to make sure you guys get your Social Security checks," he says with a smile, proudly wearing his Chevy bow tie and cap. "I'm the PR man for Phillips Chevrolet. I still sell a car now and then, but I let the young fellas make a living."

Among the employees, he's the oldest, and among the salesmen, the longest serving with 34 years. Only one other employee - Jim Bell in the service department - has been at Phillips longer by five years.

The aptly named Happy is quick with numbers and with wit. He rattles off dates and numbers like they were written on his palm and trades jokes with a bald colleague about needing a haircut.

Born Norman, but called Happy since he was a year old, he went to school in Frankfort and married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy, in 1944. He claims he has been in the car business since he was 11, working for $1 a day at his uncle's gas station in New Lenox.

In 1948, he opened Happy's Body Shop in Tinley Park, later merging with Jim Warning's car dealership at the old Heritage Hall in downtown Frankfort in 1963.

"It was a livery stable when I went to school," he says, noting how Frankfort has changed from an agricultural town of 440 people to an urban area.

He turned in his wrenches and became a salesman in 1974, joined Phillips in 1976 and figures he's sold 7,000 cars in his career. For 12 years in a row, (1977 to 1988) he won the salesman of the year award. "No one is going to beat that," Happy says. In his best month, he sold 46 cars, and in the best year, 322. His success was always based on trust.

And when he's not fixing or selling cars, Happy is entertaining folks with his polka band, and the accordion he's been playing since the 1950s. He still keeps one at his desk at Phillips and still enjoys regaling seniors in area nursing homes once or twice a year with the 50 old-time favorites on his playlist (that he plays by ear) such as "Roll Out the Barrel," "Goodnight Irene" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling."

So, what makes Happy come to work every day, driving from his home in Manteno, where he now lives?

"It's my game. It has been my game all my life," he says. "At 85, I'm still young at heart. It's the respect that keeps me here. I can't explain enough the respect I get from these young people. If I felt I was an old duffer in the way, I would not be here. I really enjoy my position at Phillips."

White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy will soon make an apprearance at Phillips Chevrolet!  Stay tuned for details!

Jim Holland, Mayor of Frankfort and his wife Stacy, recently purchased a pre-owned vehicle from Phillips. We appreciate the Holland's support of local businesses. Pictured with the Holland's above is sales consultant Happy Bettenhausen, joining in the celebration of their new vehicle!

Phillips Chevrolet was recently awarded GM's "Genuine Leaders Award" for Outstanding Sales and Customer Satisfaction.  Phillips is one of the few Chevy dealers in the United States to win this award 12 years in a row!  Since its inception!  Pictured from left to right are John Rock, District Sales Manager Chevrolet; Curtis Pascarella, President of Phillips Chevrolet; David Fitzwater, Zone Manager Chevrolet Motor Division; and Michael Maheras, General Sales Manager of Phillips Chevrolet.

Matt Braley was presented an award from the Chevrolet North Central Region. They honored Matt as the #2 Selling Chevy Salesperson in Illinois for the 2008 calendar year! The award was presented at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.  

  
Here are the first two winners from our Facebook Fan Page. This week's giveaway was two for two Lower Level Box Seats for the Chicago White Sox game against the Cleveland Indians. Congratulations. More to come on our Facebook Page. 

Mr. & Mrs. Peters where very surprised when they found out their son and daughter bought them a?New 2010 Malibu!  Congratulations Peters Family!  Pictured from left to right are Rami Alamawi (salesperson)  Mr. Peters, Mrs. Peters, Marc (son) and daughter (Jo).

The very first 2010 Camaro sold in  Illinois was purchased by Phillips Chevrolet's customer Bill and Patrice Pagunas. Their children Maria and Angelo came along to take delivery of their new vehicle!! Congratulations and thank you for your business!!

Phillips Chevrolet President, Curtis Pascarella, hands the new 2009 Chevrolet Equinox keys to Sheila Smith, who won the vehicle in the "Jewel-Osco Preferred Card Chevy Giveaway." Ms. Smith used her Preferred Card at the Jewel in Homewood and it automatically registered her in the giveaway. Congratulations to the Smith family!!

Phillips Chevrolet President Curtis Pascarella hands the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo keys to Lincoln-Way Central junior Brianne Kenefick, who won the car in Central's "Prom Knight" raffle drawing. All Kenefick had to do was attend "Prom Knight" and her name was entered the drawing to with the car donated by Phillips Chevrolet. Also pictured are Brianne's parents, Meg and Tim Kenefick, who came with to pick up the grand prize at the Frankfort dealership on Wednesday, May 23.

President Obama signed. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. The law includes a new consumer tax deduction to purchase a motor vehicle during 2009.
 
Lets break it down: 

• Provides a new tax deduction on 2009 income taxes for qualified motor vehicle taxes.
• Qualified motor vehicle taxes include any State or Local Sales or Excise tax imposed on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle.
• Qualified motor vehicles include passenger automobiles or light trucks with a weight rating not exceeding 8,500 pounds.
• Applies to NEW vehicles only.
• Deduction allowed even if you don't itemize deductions.
• Limit on Price: New vehicle price cannot exceed $49,500.
• Income Limit: Phased out for taxpayers making $125k singly or $250k jointly.
• Effective date: PURCHASES FROM FEB 17,2009 - JAN 1, 2010

 
There is no restriction on the type or car and it does not have to be a Hybrid. Unlike the worker and housing tax credits, the car buyer tax break is an income tax deduction. This means that it would reduce your taxable income and hence net tax liability. So the higher your tax rate, the more you will benefit.
 
Senator Barbara Mikulski is author of the amendment and here are the relevant details from the official press release (based on the original Senate proposal):
 
"The American automobile industry is currently one of the biggest drivers of the U.S. economy. Six million jobs are at stake in the American car industry and one out of every 10 jobs in America is auto-related. A collapse of a major U.S. automaker, such as GM, Ford or Chrysler, would further erode the American economy, given the huge network of suppliers, dealers, and other businesses and communities that would be affected. [This] amendment is not about bailouts. It's about jobs, jobs, jobs.
 
The amendment is simple. If you buy a new passenger car, mini-van, or light truck by December 31st of 2009, you will get a tax deduction for your sales or excise tax and the interest on your loan. A family would save about $1,500 on a $25,000 car, not counting the additional incentives from dealers.
 
This amendment also helps state governments. States rely on tax revenue from new car sales. In my home state and many other states the sales tax is around 6 percent, so on a $25,000 car the state gets $1,500 in revenue. New car sales are down millions per year from their averages. This means states are losing billions when they already are struggling. As people buy new cars states' tax revenues will increase.
 
This amendment is a big deal to families because a car is the second biggest purchase most families make. My amendment is targeted. Families with an income of more than $250,000 a year are ineligible. Cars costing more than $49,500 also are ineligible. This amendment also helps the environment because it gets more people into new cars and new cars are cleaner and more fuel efficient than old cars.
 
There are 20,000 new car dealerships nationwide. They employ a million people. Most people don't realize that dealers employ an average of 53 people in sales, mechanics, and administrative positions. I visited car dealerships in Maryland and heard from these employees.
 
Well, I say let's put money where it matters - where it creates jobs. That's why we need this amendment for creating jobs, for consumers, and for the auto industry that is such a driver of our country's economy - so we can get America rolling again."
 
 How The Tax Deduction Works
 
Lets look at a quick example of how the tax deduction would work in the real world. Lets say you buy a new car for $20,000 this year, and had a trade-in of $9,000. Typically states would tax the difference between the new car and the trade, which in this instance would be $11,000.
 
At a tax rate of 6.5%, that would mean your deduction in this case would be about $715. Tax rates vary by state, so your deduction will be based on the tax rate in your state.
 
If you are buying a $20,000 car with no trade, you would reduce your taxable income by $1300 (at our example 6.5% tax rate).
 
Please consult your tax accountant or CPA for further details.

The wait is over. After a seven-year hiatus, the new Chevrolet Camaro is now back in dealer showrooms.

Combining great looks, performance and advanced technology, the 2010 Camaro honors its heritage while delivering on customer expectations of a sports coupe for the 21st century.

The new Camaro delivers a modern, advanced package of performance, comfort and technology, said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager and General Motors vice president. It's a personal car for a generation of enthusiasts, both young and old, that honors the Camaros heritage with a thoroughly contemporary design.

With a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. The two-door sports coupe features classic proportions over a 112.3-inch (2,852 mm) wheelbase. The overall length of the Camaro is 190.4 inches (4,836 mm); width and height are 75.5 inches (1,918 mm) and 54.2 inches (1,376 mm), respectively.

The long hood and short deck are pushed to the far corners of the muscular fender forms and a fast, 67-degree rake windshield contributes to aerodynamic performance that includes a 0.37 coefficient of drag (Cd) on V-6 models and a slightly sleeker 0.35 Cd on the V-8-powered SS model.

Wheel arch openings received special attention through the design process. Whether the Camaro is equipped with the standard 18-inch, or optional 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, the relationship of the top of the tire and bottom of the fender is consistent on all models. All models also feature the classic V design motif in the nose, along with a 2.5-inch (63.5 mm) power dome in the aluminum hood, reminiscent of high-performance Camaro models. On SS models, a simulated air intake is located in the upper front fascia and the lower air intake is larger.

Ten exterior colors are available and include Black, Victory Red, Rally Yellow and Silver Ice Metallic. Red Jewel Tintcoat is also available as an option. The color palette also includes Cyber Gray Metallic, Aqua Blue Metallic, Inferno Orange Metallic, White and Imperial Blue Metallic.

Inside the four-passenger cabin, a well-executed balance of heritage, modern design and attention to detail conveys simplicity and refinement with contemporary details in the cluster, switches, dials and lighting. An available ambient light package, for example, offers advanced LED light pipe technology, giving the cabin a distinctive glow.

Deep, recessed gauges, located in square housings outlined in chrome, give a nod to the classic Camaro interior. The instrument panel gauges include both speedometer and engine rpm, with a driver information center located between the large gauges  its readouts and features controlled via a stalk on the steering column. An optional, console-mounted gauge package includes oil pressure, oil temperature, volts and transmission fluid temperature. The gauge package is included on 2LT and 2SS models.

Cloth upholstery is standard and leather-appointed seats are included on 2LT and 2SS models. Four-way manual adjustment including fore/aft and up/down on the driver seat and two-way adjustment on the passenger seat is standard. Heated, leather-trimmed seats with driver six-way power adjustment are optional.

Both LT and SS standard cloth and available leather interior colors are black, gray and beige. The front seat travel is a generous 8.5 inches (216 mm) from front to back. On SS models, the seats feature a distinctive SS logo on the headrest with contrasting stitching. An Inferno Orange interior trim package also will be available with leather interiors.

All models include a three-spoke steering wheel with manual tilt/telescope adjustment. Cruise control and rear defog also are standard, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; redundant steering wheel controls; Bluetooth and USB port are part of the available Driver Convenience and Connectivity package. Also included in the package is remote start on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles, as well as a personal device interface module for iPods.

Soon after production begins, customers will be able to order a short-throw Hurst shifter that provides quick, concise shifting.

Camaros entertainment systems include a single-CD radio with six speakers that is standard on LS, LT and SS models. A premium, 245-watt Boston Acoustics nine-speaker audio system can be ordered on 1LT and SS models. XM Satellite Radio is standard on all models.

All models also include power door locks and express up and down driver and passenger window. Cargo capacity can be increased with the standard fold-down rear seat. The capacity of the trunk is 11.3 cubic feet (320 liters).

The Camaro offers a comprehensive system of safety features starting with a robust body structure and integral safety cage around the passenger compartment. High-strength steel and ultra high-strength steels are used in key areas throughout the structure. Safety technologies also include:
Driver and front passenger dual-stage air bags
Driver and front passenger seat-mounted thorax side-impact air bags
Head curtain side-impact air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants
Front-seat safety belt load limiters and pretensioners
A front passenger detection system that senses children and small- stature adults, and suppresses air bag deployment when appropriate.

In both doors, an interlock pin is utilized to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment and adds stiffness to the door structure by engaging with a clevis bracket set into the rocker panel.

Camaro Press Reviews

The first Camaro reviews are in; and they are very positive.  The press loves the new Camaro.  Here are a couple of examples:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro:  Back with a vengeance, baby         
                                                            -- Jim Healey, USA Today

Chevrolet has pulled off a near-masterstroke awards Camaro with the Oscar for best fulfillment of pony car hopes & dreams.
                                                                                                          -- Arthur St. Antoine, Motortrend

Chevy nailed it.  The production version Camaro stays true to the concepts carved stone exterior, long hood, short deck and big wheels.  It also offers enough high tech features to keep even an astronaut happy.
                                                                                         -- Scott Burgess, Detroit News

"Hyundai execs told me that had taken aim directly at the Mustang GT, and hoped to have the most affordable, 300hp, rear wheel drive car in America.  Well, looks like they will be healthy to run with that claim for only the next few weeks. When Camaro officially goes on sale later this spring, you'll be able to get a 300 horsepower rear driver for about the price of a VW GTI."
                                                                                --Motor Trend Comparison of Camaro and Hyundai Genesis

The bottom line comes down to the bottom line. The Equinox in base LS trim with the 2.4-Liter and front-wheel drive starts at $23,185, a full $1,825 cheaper than the last model. A fully loaded LTZ with all the bells and whistles should top the charts at around $35k, but nobody will buy that car, because it's totally unnecessary. Buying the cheap model doesn't mean you have to suffer el-cheapo plastics, harsh NVH and hideous seats. With the Equinox, GM figures it's providing more interior room, more standard equipment, higher fuel economy and better design at competitive pricing.

The all new 2010 Chevy Equinox is the 5-passenger compact crossover that reflects outstanding quality in design, precision and utility capability.

Joe & Revella Kasprzyk purchased our very first 2009 Blade Silver ZR1 Corvette. Congratulations and thank you for your business!!

Phillips Chevrolet's customer Steven and Nancy Antonini of Frankfort took delivery of the very first 2009 Traverse in the United States!

Matt Braley was presented an award from the Chevrolet North Central Region. They honored Matt as the #2 Selling Chevy Salesperson in Illinois for the 2009 calendar year! This is the second year in a row that Matt has received this award. The award was presented at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Pictured above from left to right are Howie Long, Matt Braley and Kurt McNeil, Chevrolet General Sales Manager.